Static: Simple file access

Using a static approach to host your website is a great method that is gaining popularity among developers. It is the simplest of the bunch and can still pack a huge deal of functionality. In fact, using a static approach can even be used for users with a traditional monolithic approach. 

All websites utilise static files or cache, but a static approach builds from a template only on a change to the data. While it is an old approach that was abandoned due to the invention of PHP and its ease of use with dynamic data, as software has been developed, it is very easy to make websites without a CMS, assuming you can get setup. Some newer CMSs can even act on static files and then deploy them, giving them the ability to handle dynamic data.

Static websites are websites that are made up of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files that are pre-built and served from a content delivery network (CDN). This means that the website is already created, and the server doesn’t need to generate any pages dynamically. Because of that, static websites can be served much faster and are more secure than dynamic websites.

Most static websites will still refer to distributed applications and can be thought of as one part of a distributed application, specifically the frontend. This means that even though the website itself is static, it can still communicate with other services to provide additional functionality.

Using a static approach to hosting your website also has other benefits. It is cheaper to host because you don’t need to pay for a server that can handle dynamic content. You can also use a static website to host your blog or other content that doesn’t change often.

When does the static approach work best?

Static websites are perfect for websites with content that does not change frequently. For instance, if you have a website that showcases 100 products and only adds one new product every week or so, a static approach can work wonders. Even if you need to update the stock level of the products, you can still work with microservices and add dynamic data without having to re-render the front-end.

The advantage of using a static approach is that you don’t have to worry about the server-side code or databases, which can be a significant burden in terms of maintenance, security, and scalability. By keeping the website static, you can ensure that the website loads faster, is more secure, and is cheaper to host. Additionally, by using a headless CMS, you can manage your content easily without having to modify the code files. 

Overall, if you have a website with content that does not change frequently, a static approach can be an excellent option to consider. It is simple, secure, and can help you save money on hosting fees while still providing the necessary functionality.

Since static content still sometimes needs to be modified, users may not want to edit the code files. The static architecture often fits in great with a headless CMS.

What is a headless CMS?

A headless CMS is a content management system that separates the back-end content management functionalities from the front-end presentation layer. In a headless CMS, the content is created and managed in the back-end, while the front-end layer can be built using any technology stack that meets the needs of the website or application.

This approach provides more flexibility and customisation options compared to traditional CMS solutions, which often have a fixed front-end presentation layer. With a headless CMS, you can use any front-end technology, such as React, Angular, or Vue, to build your website or application’s user interface.

The headless CMS is responsible for content creation, storage, and management. It provides a RESTful API that can be used to retrieve and manipulate content, which can then be integrated into the front-end using any technology stack. This approach enables a faster and more agile development process, as developers can work on the front-end and back-end independently.

Using a headless CMS has several benefits, including:

Easy content migration

Your frontend and content are also separated, just like your frontend and backend. This means that users of one headless CMS system may take their contents to another provider without changing any code. Its body just fits on another head. 

Increased Flexibility

With a headless CMS, you have the freedom to choose any front-end technology stack that suits your needs. This enables you to create a unique and customised user experience that aligns with your brand’s identity.

Backend flexibility

When a CMS is decoupled from the front end, there is often no need for a traditional backend system. Instead, the storage of the front end system may be used by the decoupled CMS without any extra infrastructure. This approach allows for greater flexibility in managing content, as it separates the content management functionality from the presentation layer. Additionally, it enables developers to use their preferred front end frameworks without being tied to a specific CMS.

Improved Security

A headless CMS can provide improved security as the content is managed in a separate environment from the front-end. This reduces the risk of security vulnerabilities and makes it easier to maintain and update your website or application. Often, no CMS backend infrastructure is needed at all. Users of an headless CMS may bootstrap from their existing front end storage. By leveraging external providers, there are zero backend security concerns. All dynamic data and integrations with applications like checkout are handled by third party software-as-a Service platforms.

Better Performance

By separating the front-end from the back-end, a headless CMS can provide better performance and faster page load times. This is because the server only needs to handle content management, while the front-end can be optimised for speed and performance.

What is a headless CMS?

When it comes to headless CMS, version control plays an important role in the development process. Version control systems like Git are typically used to keep track of changes in code and content. This allows developers to collaborate on projects, track changes, and revert to earlier versions if necessary.

In a version control based headless CMS, content is stored in a repository, just like code. Changes to the content are tracked, and multiple versions of the content can be created. This makes it easy to see who made changes, when they were made, and what was changed.

Git is the most popular version control system, and it is commonly used with headless CMSs. Git allows multiple developers to work on the same project and merge their changes together. It also makes it easy to reverse changes if something goes wrong.

However, it’s important to note that any version control software can be used with a headless CMS, or none at all. Some headless CMS provide their own version control system, while others allow users to integrate with third-party systems.

In any case, version control is an important aspect of headless CMS, as it allows developers to work collaboratively and keep track of changes. By using version control, developers can make sure that content is accurate and up-to-date, while also keeping the development process streamlined and efficient.

How does the static approach create cheap websites?

By removing a component, the server, from the picture, and using only storage, costs are reduced, and the files are already created in a format ready for distribution to a content delivery network.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a headless CMS is a modern approach to content management that provides increased flexibility, improved security, and better performance. By separating the front-end from the back-end, a headless CMS enables developers to build unique and customised user experiences that align with their brand’s identity.