A beginner’s guide to website options, features, and services.

8. STATIC VS. DYNAMIC

Overview:

Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of web sites: static and dynamic. Static sites are sites wherein the content doesn’t change much after the site is put online. Examples of static sites include many online brochures.

Dynamic sites have content that is constantly changing due to either their owners, the site’s users, or automated programming making the changes. Examples of dynamic sites are: calendar events lists, online auctions, most online stores, news sites, real estate listings, and others.

Database connections:

Dynamic sites are websites that are connected to databases through the use of custom programming.

Connecting a website to a database allows you to show lists of information on your website that can be easily edited. This information can be class schedules, product prices, quotes from satisfied customers, or classified ads. It can be words, pictures, or even sounds.

A type of database-connected site called a "content publishing system" allows you to make changes right in your browser, in plain English.

Database-connected sites also allow you to add password-protection and user registration features on your site. And most large online stores use a database connection.

Will your site be a static site or a dynamic database site?

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