What is dynamic and static?
In general, dynamic means energetic or forceful, while static means stationary. In computer terminology, dynamic usually means capable of action or change, while static means fixed.
The terms dynamic and static have a variety of applications, so their processes and differences depend on the system they describe. However, static and dynamic systems have some common factors. The differences between static and dynamic systems are as follows:
- Static systems. Static systems are usually less intricate, take less time to develop and have faster loading times. However, they aren't interactive, so they can't always perform the required, complex functionality.
- Dynamic systems. Dynamic systems can handle more complex functionality and perform customized returns based on user, channel or application. However, dynamic components require more time to load and develop.
Static vs. dynamic websites
A website is an example of either a dynamic or static system. When a user requests a webpage, the web server that stores the page returns the HTML document to the user's computer, and the browser displays it.
This process is the only action that happens on a static webpage. Static websites don't use external databases and display the same information to every user. The user can interact with it, but static webpages can't return information that isn't preformatted. Static webpages are better suited for information that rarely changes, such as an "About Us" page on a company website.
On a dynamic webpage, the user can request data contained in a database on the server. The server will assemble the information according to the request on the fly. Dynamic websites generate content automatically based on the user.
A set of HTML capabilities, generally known as dynamic HTML, helps developers create dynamic websites. Dynamic webpages are better suited for ever-changing content such as forms, search functions and comment sections. Another example is Instagram, which tailors and updates each feed based on the user.
Static and dynamic terminology
Besides websites, static and dynamic relate to many different topics, such as the following:
- IP addresses.
- Programming languages.
- Marketing content.
- Cloud computing subscriptions.
- Data hashing.
IP addresses
Most IP addresses are dynamic IPs, which are IP addresses that can change at any time. Static IPs reserve the same address every time. Organizations with dedicated services or host computer servers can purchase or request static IP addresses.
Programming languages
Dynamic languages, such as Perl or Lisp, enable developers to create variables without specifying their type. This creates more flexible programs and simplifies prototyping and some object-oriented coding.
In a static programming language, such as C or Pascal, developers must declare the type of each variable before compiling the code. This makes the code less flexible but also less error-prone.
Marketing content
Dynamic content is copy that changes depending on the customer or channel. Dynamic content usually generates from back-end systems.
Static content remains constant across all applications, such as a slogan, logo or terms and conditions.
Cloud computing subscriptions
When a subscriber chooses a cloud computing service, they have two pricing model options: dynamic or static. A dynamic subscription adjusts to how much or how little of a service the customer uses. Meanwhile, a static subscription has a fixed price independent of usage.
Data hashing
Data hashing is a method of indexing or retrieving items from a database. Dynamic hashing occurs when the set of characters grows, shrinks or reorganizes based on how users access the data. Static hashing occurs when the hash function length remains the same.
