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

A static website displays fixed content, meaning that the information remains the same each time a user visits the site. The content is typically pre-written and does not change unless the web developer manually updates the original files. This makes static websites straightforward and easy to host on web servers, as they require less server-side processing and can often be served directly from a Content Delivery Network (CDN).

On the other hand, a dynamic website generates content in real-time based on user interactions, database queries, or other inputs. This means that the information displayed can change based on factors such as the user’s actions, time of access, or specific data stored in a database. Dynamic websites use server-side scripting languages like PHP, Ruby, or JavaScript frameworks to create content that is tailored to each visitor's needs or preferences.

The distinction lies in how the content is served and whether it is adaptable to changing contexts. Static websites are generally quicker and easier to load since they don't require back-end processing, while dynamic websites offer more interactivity and functionality.