What is a static website?

A static website displays content to a web browser that’s stored with requests being read-only. In turn, there are no executable files or database entries on a static site. 

Because of this, a static website is a great option for showcasing content that doesn’t require regular updates — business websites containing a company’s mission, for example.

Additionally, a static website can be a collection of static pages.

What is the difference between a static website and a dynamic website

Static websites only rely on client-side markup language (HTML), with Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) determining how to stylize the content.

Static sites won’t change unless you modify the code manually.

On the other hand, dynamic websites incorporate server-side scripting languages like PHP or JavaScript to send and retrieve data from a web server — making the content dynamic.

Pros of static sites

• Easier to develop compared to dynamic sites
• Faster loading time due to smaller page sizes and lack of scripts
• Less downtime since they’re not dependent on a web server

Pros of dynamic sites

• Generate content per request, making them flexible
• Easier to update
• Supports more complex features like eCommerce, forums, and third-party integrations

What is a static website generator?

A Static Site Generator (SSG) is software that takes source files and converts them into HTML files. It then transfers the files to a live server to make the site public.

Some of the most popular SSGs are Jekyll, Hugo, Hexo, Octopress, and Pelican.