A website and a good database system need to work hand-in-hand in order to deliver an awesome user experience (UX). To understand a database-driven website is to open Pandora’s Box of website performances.
Although most website designers still think only the bigger and busier websites should adapt a database-driven design and even the niftiest webpages can benefit from having a good base system for website.
Static vs. Dynamic Websites: What’s The Difference?
If you’ve tried to delve into a data-driven website design, then you must have come across these two terms:
- Static Website
Static website is a kind of website that doesn’t change every time your browser loads a page. Therefore, if the user clicks the button, the content and layout of the page will not be altered. The only changes that can happen are when the user loads a new webpage or when the admin published another page on the web browser.
- Dynamic Website
As its name implies, dynamic website is the type of website that has pages that change every time they’re loaded, without changes made by the webmaster. So, if a user clicks on a text or image, some changes may be observed on that specific page. Because the contents are stored outside a web file system, it’s easier to change and manage data even faster.
Database-Driven Websites: Definition and Examples
The best example of a dynamic site is a database-driven website. Webpages grab information from a database and inserting the same on your webpage every time it’s loaded.
If there are any changes to the information in the database, the page (which is connected to its database via programming) will also automatically change. Such websites are more commonly used for large industries.
Good base system for website include following:
- Blogs and Community Forums
Most online community forum sites and blogs are database-driven since they involve having regular updates by users. Whether people are liking or leaving comments or you’re publishing a great article, there should be an immediate change on the page. This means that you do not have to load the pages again and again in order to see new reactions and comments.
- CMS
If your website is going to use a Content Management System, then it’s database-driven. Users can quickly and easily update content on the sites even without the need for technical programming skills. There are CMS that has an easy-to-use editor which allows publishing of content, deleting, and editing.
- eCommerce Platforms
Businesses mostly leverage data-driven websites due to the expected changes in offers, services, and prices. With a good base system, the website ensures updated information all the time while also ensuring website performance and speed.
The Advantages of Having a Database For Your Website
- Saves Time
Having all your site’s information stored in a single location makes it easier and faster to manage your website. You can make all the changes in one place and have them reflected on your entire website instantly, rather than editing page by page.
This makes updating your info, changing your design, and adding new content much faster and easier. Plus, it also helps in keeping your code clean, which equates to faster page loading and fewer technical issues.
- Easy Management Anywhere
When all of your site’s information is stored in a good base system, you can work on your site from any device, anywhere. You’re not tied to a computer that contains all your data and files like you would with static sites.
This may help you manage and handle issues as they arise, updating content as inspiration strikes and implementing changes on the go. Sometimes, when you wait to get home to update your website, important ideas, information, and, more importantly, customers, can be lost.
- Interactive and Unique Experience
Every user who visits your site is different and so does your website should be. A database-driven website design pulls information from your database as the user requests it, allowing it to be customized according to their needs.
Location-specific information can be presented, searches can be tailored and the mobile experience will go much smoother. And the fact that smartphone usage is increasing amongst users, is particularly important to note.
Users expect a high level of interactivity from sites. Content suggestions related to previous purchases and searches, quick navigation through pages, and even messaging services are just a few examples that can be implemented to a website with a good base system.
- High Scalability + Minimized Errors
Every business evolves and grows with time. Having a website with a good base system offers room for growth. You can always modify the layout, graphics, and interactivity anytime.
Also, a database-driven website can help reduce the chances of error. Physical and manual data entry tend to have unavoidable human errors. This can result in bugs, downtime, and other issues. Solving such issues with database-driven websites is easy, improving user experience.
Do You Have The Resources To Implement A Database-Driven Website?
Implementing and managing a database for your website requires certain skills to be mastered. So, before you go with a database-driven website, you need to consider whether or not you have the needed technical skills and budget to implement and maintain such a setup.
Also, these websites often require their own server, costing you a bit to host and purchase on a network. Thus, it’s crucial to ensure if your website matches the financial resources, skills, and time you administer and maintain it.
Can you adopt an infrastructure that requires a database? Do you have the talents in-house? How long does it take to develop? Who will maintain it?
The fluid nature of these websites can require more work, skills, and money than the average site. However, launching a dynamic website utilizing a good base system for website will surely make your site stand out, in terms of performance and ease of use.
I’m a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, digital marketer and professional blogger equipped with skills in Digital Marketing, SEO, SEM, SMM, and lead generation. My objective is to simplify technology for you through detailed guides and reviews. I discovered WordPress while setting up my first business site and instantly became enamored. When not crafting websites, making content, or helping clients enhance their online ventures, I usually take care of my health and spend time with family, and explore the world. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or read my complete biography.