The Advantages of Using Dynamic Websites
by: Heris Yunora
Using static website could actually pose many problems to you. If you intend to show the contents of a datafeed file on your website, you have to create all webpages one by one. Then you will encounter another problem when it comes to update the datafeed with the latest products or change the general layout of the site. If you have any experience with those problems you may be agree that it is difficult to maintain a static website.
Some problems with datafeeds can actually be solved using special software. The software can help you create many webpages automatically depending on the contents of a datafeed file. Unfortunately you still have to upload all those webpages to your hosting server.
Dynamic websites can help you overcome those problems. Activities such as adding and updating data can be accomplished easily because all data is stored in a database (e.g. MySQL). That means when you want to update the contents of your website you only need to manipulate the data stored in the database. Adding or updating thousand webpages could be accomplished by exporting a datafeed file to your database.
As database is the place to store the elements to build your website, a server-side script written in PHP, ASP or PERL does the real works. It is the PHP, ASP or PERL code that fetchs the data directly from the database and show it on your webpages.
Now, how if you want to change the layout of your website like inserting adsense code on each webpage? Once again with dynamic website you can do it easily. You only need to deal with the templates for your site. One change you make could affect the layout of each and every webpage.
In order to use dynamic websites, you need to have at least:
1. A server-side script to build a dynamic website
You can buy the script, hire a programmer to create it or even build it yourself. Although learning to create a dynamic website is challenging but in the end you will be able to customize the website at your own direction. For instance you will be able to fetch any data stored in a database that contains specific keywords. Many scripts are also freely available online. Some hosting companies have even already provided a feature to build dynamic websites in just some clicks. It could be very useful especially if you don't want to put your efforts in programming.
2. A website hosting that supports the script
Make sure the hosting service meets the requirements of your script. What kind of internet programming language and database it supports? How about the versions? Don't forget to notice other requirements such as whether the provider lets you access the .htaccess file or install additional modules.
As you can see, dynamic websites could save your invaluable time and effort in building and maintaining your websites. You can change your design and content easily anytime you wish. Dynamic website with dynamic content seems like the future of the Internet.