Static Sites vs Hybrid Apps vs PWAs
Understanding the difference between static sites, dynamic applications, and progressive web apps helps you choose the right approach for each project.
Static Sites: The Foundation
Pre-built HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files served directly to users. No server-side processing on each request.
When to Use:
- Portfolios and landing pages
- Blogs and documentation
- Marketing websites
- Project showcases
Advantages:
- Blazing fast performance
- Cheap/free hosting
- Excellent security
- Easy deployment
- Great SEO
Hybrid/JAMstack Architecture
Static frontend + serverless functions + external APIs. Best of both worlds.
When to Use:
- Blogs with commenting systems
- Product sites with contact forms
- Apps with occasional server logic
- Sites needing performance + dynamic features
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Web applications that work offline, can be installed, and feel like native apps.
PWA Features:
- Service workers for offline functionality
- App-like experience
- Push notifications
- Home screen installation
- Fast, even on slow networks
When to Build PWAs:
- Apps users access frequently
- Need offline functionality
- Mobile-first experiences
- Don't need app store distribution
Decision Framework:
Choose Static When: Content rarely changes, no user accounts, speed is critical, simple deployment needed.
Choose Dynamic/Hybrid When: User accounts, personalized content, complex business logic, frequent updates.
Choose PWA When: Offline access needed, frequent user visits, mobile-first, app-like experience desired.
Real Project Examples:
- Portfolio Site: Static (GitHub Pages + custom domain)
- Blog: Hybrid (Static site + headless CMS)
- Todo App: PWA (works offline, installable)
- Dashboard: SPA (React/Vue with authentication)
- E-commerce: Dynamic (Next.js with database)
Most professional projects use hybrid approaches: static generation where possible, dynamic rendering where needed, PWA features for user experience.