Introduction
As a web developer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with all sorts of technologies and frameworks over the years. While many developers are drawn to the dynamic side of the web — using CMS platforms like WordPress or building complex web applications with heavy interactivity — I’ve found myself repeatedly coming back to static websites. Having made my first static website 25 years ago. There’s something about their simplicity and efficiency that appeals to me, and today, I’d like to share why I build static websites and why I think they remain relevant in today’s web development landscape.
Speed and Performance
One of the main reasons I prefer static websites is the incredible performance boost they offer. Static websites are made up of simple HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files that are served directly to the user’s browser without the need for server-side processing. There’s no complex database query or backend logic happening behind the scenes, which means that pages load faster. When speed is a priority, static sites have an edge because they can be cached easily and delivered from content delivery networks (CDNs) around the world. This often results in faster load times for users, regardless of their location.
Simplicity and Control
Static websites give me complete control over every aspect of the site. When I build a static site, I know exactly what’s going on at every level. There are no hidden complexities in the form of plugins, databases, or server-side code. The structure of a static site is straightforward, which makes development and debugging much easier. I love the simplicity of static websites — everything is as clean as the code you write. It’s a purist approach to web development that leaves me feeling in control of the final product.
Security
Security is a constant concern in web development, especially when it comes to dynamic sites that interact with databases or have complex backend systems. With static websites, however, the attack surface is much smaller. Since there’s no database, no user login systems, and no backend logic running on a server, static sites are much less susceptible to common security issues like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS). This makes static sites inherently more secure, and in a world where data breaches and hacks are common, I find that peace of mind is a major selling point.
Cost-Effectiveness
Another key factor in why I build static websites is the cost. Hosting a static site is usually much cheaper than hosting a dynamic site. Since static websites don’t require a complex server setup or a content management system, they can be hosted on platforms like GitHub Pages, Netlify, or Vercel for little to no cost if it is a low-traffic site. Even when I choose a paid hosting option, the costs are typically much lower than a traditional dynamic website. For many small businesses or personal projects, static websites are an affordable solution that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Scalability
Static websites are highly scalable. Since there are no backend processes involved, the infrastructure required to scale a static website is far less demanding. Whether I’m working on a small blog or a large business site, I can rely on CDNs to handle sudden spikes in traffic. Static sites can also be updated easily without worrying about breaking complex systems or dependencies, which makes them ideal for sites that need to be maintained over time.
Future-Proofing
Finally, building static websites allows me to work with modern development tools like the static site generators Hugo. This framework is incredibly powerful, allowing me to create fast, flexible, and user-friendly websites without compromising on performance. I’m always learning new techniques and improving my workflow, and static websites remain a timeless choice that can adapt to the latest trends in web development.
Conclusion
Static websites offer a refreshing alternative to the complexity and overhead of dynamic web applications. Their speed, simplicity, security, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and modern tools make them a compelling choice for many types of websites. While dynamic sites certainly have their place, I continue to build static websites because they let me focus on delivering high-quality, fast-loading experiences without unnecessary complexity. For me, it’s the best of both worlds.
