What is a Static Website?
A static website consists only of static web pages. A static web page (sometimes called a flat page or a stationary page) is a web page that is delivered to the user's web browser exactly as stored.
What Makes a Website "Static"?
Static websites deliver the same content to all users, with content stored directly in HTML files. This means:
- The content is fixed and pre-built.
- There's no complex "thinking" or "generating" happening on the server side when you request the page. The server simply sends you the files (like HTML, CSS, images, and basic JavaScript) it has.
This is in contrast to a dynamic web page, which is generated by a web application. Dynamic pages can show different content to different users or update content based on a database.
Why Choose a Static Website?
Static websites are a fantastic choice because they offer:
- Exceptional Speed: They load incredibly fast, improving user experience and SEO.
- Enhanced Security: Fewer complex components mean fewer vulnerabilities to online threats.
- High Scalability: They can handle a lot of traffic without issues.
- Simplified Hosting: Platforms like Static.app are built specifically to make hosting these kinds of websites effortless, allowing you to get online without technical hurdles.
When is a Static Website the Right Choice?
Static websites are ideal for:
- Blogs and personal portfolios
- Small business websites and landing pages
- Event pages and online brochures
- Documentation sites
- Resumes and online CVs
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) built with JavaScript frameworks (where the dynamic behavior happens in the browser)
While static websites are excellent for content that doesn't change dynamically based on user interaction (like user accounts or real-time data from an administrator), they can still integrate with external services (like Static.app's built-in form collection or third-party e-commerce solutions) to add dynamic capabilities.