Are Static HTML Websites Still Relevant?

These days, dynamic websites are well inside the reach of each web designer. we frequently don’t consider about using tools like WordPress or Drupal to power our next nice project. Their practicality and flexibility make producing data-driven websites easier than ever before. however it wasn’t forever this manner.
The web started as a mostly static affair. Plain previous html was, and still is, the basis of a web site. however back within the day, the power to dynamically generate content wasn’t wide accessible to the common designer.

TOO MUCH STATIC

In 1990s,Each Website I design was Static. Granted, I didn’t understand an entire lot at the time. Thus, so many of my projects became unwieldy nightmares once it came to maintenance. The task of, say, adding a new item to a navigation bar meant hacking my method through probably many HTML files – depending on the size of the web site.
As time went on, some conveniences like server aspect includes (SSI) created maintenance easier. rather than dynamic multiple files to reflect a new navigation item, it was currently a matter of editing only one or two.
So, once the use of content management systems (CMS) became prevalent, I happily hopped on board – and never wished to seem back. For years, I’ve dismissed static HTML as outdated and now not useful in most things.
Lately I’m starting to think that my dismissal may have been a bit unfair. Sure, those old fashioned sites I worked on were a reason for major frustration once changes required to be made. however does that mean static HTML no longer contains a place on the web?

HTML: ABUSED and MISUSED

Part of the problem with using static HTML, for me at least, was the actual fact that it had been forced into duties it should have never had within the initial place. The supposed use for HTML was as a markup language – not as a way to manage complicated arrangements of files. except for websites designed on a small budget, it was just about the simplest tool we had at the time.
As you may recall, we used to use HTML for all kinds of things that it wasn’t meant to do. remember using nested tables to hack your manner through a page layout? Through no fault of its own, HTML became a victim for a way to not do things.
Even today, I still manage many extremely previous sites that were designed this manner. and every time I even have to create a modification, I’m reminded of the mess I created. It’s no secret that one thing like WordPress is way better for managing content, similar to CSS is way better for making layouts.
However, I currently understand that static HTML sites will still have an area on the web provided we use it within the right manner and below the proper circumstances.

TWO WAYS TO BUILD.

Editor’s Note: As many commenters seen, I lost something rather large: Static website generators. This was something I hadn’t even considered whereas writing this post. My initial aim was more within the realm of the “traditional” static website. with that in mind, this section has been added for a a lot of correct representation.
Traditionally, static sites were designed with the assistance of a applications programme editor or maybe by hand. this could still work simply fine for smaller projects however isn’t ideal once your needs are a lot of complicated.
Beyond the ultra-basic static {website|web website} are those designed via Static site generators. These are tools that combine several of the organizational options of a CMS with the speed, potency and security of plain previous HTML. They run on a variety of languages, as well as JavaScript (and specific libraries like Vue), PHP, Python and Ruby – among others.
Once you’ve organized your website through the use of HTML templates and content consisting text files, a static HTML website is generated and prepared for uploading to a server.

 WHERE STATIC MAKES SENSE

In present, simply what's the correct circumstance to go with static HTML? i believe it mostly depends on each the requirements of your project and your skills as a developer. But, usually speaking, these may be some instances wherever it makes sense:

Full-On CMS functionality Isn’t required

As mentioned on top of, a static website generator will give a number of the advantages of a CMS – but not all. thus news-oriented sites or blogs that rely upon a constant stream of updates may not be the most effective candidates. Still, that leaves an awful lot of websites that would conceivably like a static build. standard “brochure” style sites, as an example, may be an ideal match.

Your clients Don’t want a back end UI

One of the most effective elements of a CMS is a easy back end wherever concerning anyone with a bit training will create updates. however not everybody needs this type of setup. In those cases, static HTML will do the job.

You Don’t need to manage software Updates

One of the foremost compelling arguments for static HTML is also security. If you don’t bother to login to a CMS for 6 months, your website can be formed with unpatched security holes. whereas things may still get it wrong with a static website, a compromised plugin or information are 2 less things to stress concerning.

Budgets are Tight

Getting a completely custom WordPress website (one with a resourceful theme) may be out of the worth vary for a few smaller clients. and still look as as professional.

THERE'S STILL ROOM FOR STATIC WEBSITES

I totally believe that the increase of the CMS has brought the ability of the web to the lots. It means almost anyone will run their own on-line store or publish their thoughts from anyplace. But, there are still situations wherever a static web site may well be the simplest choice.
Now that we’re surrounded by this data-driven technology, it’s easier to check the distinction of what static HTML needs to supply. we all know each its strengths and limitations. and we have a clearer understanding of however it’s best enforced.