Managing a static website

How Static Websites Are Managed

Managing a static website involves manually handling content, structure, and files without the use of databases or server-side scripting. The process typically includes:

1. Editing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Files
   • Each page is a separate HTML file.
   • CSS is used for styling.
   • JavaScript may be added for interactivity (but no backend processing).
2. File & Directory Management
   • Proper structuring of files and folders (e.g., /images, /css, /js).
   • Maintaining links between pages manually.
3. Manually Updating Content
   • Any text, images, or links must be edited directly in HTML files.
   • Changes must be manually applied across all pages if needed.
4. Uploading Files to a Server
   • Using FTP/SFTP clients (e.g., FileZilla) to upload files.
   • Hosting services like GitHub Pages, Netlify, or traditional web hosts (cPanel).
5. Version Control (Optional)
   • Some developers use Git to track changes and collaborate.
   • GitHub/GitLab repositories can be used for deployment.
6. Optimizing & Maintaining Performance
   • Manually compressing images and minifying CSS/JS files.
   • Using CDN (e.g., Cloudflare) to improve performance.
7. Backup & Restore
   • Keeping local copies of website files.
   • Manually restoring from backups if needed.

Skills Required to Manage a Static Website

To manage a static website effectively, the following skills are needed:

Basic Skills

1. HTML – Creating and structuring web pages.
2. CSS – Styling and designing web pages.
3. Basic JavaScript – Adding simple interactivity.
4. File Management – Organizing files and directories properly.

Intermediate Skills

5. FTP/SFTP Usage – Uploading files to a web server.
6. Basic SEO Knowledge – Structuring content for better search rankings.
7. Image Optimization – Compressing images for better loading speeds.

Advanced Skills (Optional but Useful)

8. Git & Version Control – Managing changes in files.
9. Static Site Generators (SSGs) – Using tools like Jekyll, Hugo, or Eleventy to automate some tasks.
10. Command Line Basics – Useful for automation and deploying via Git.
11. Basic Security Practices – Avoiding broken links, insecure file permissions, and optimizing performance.

Since static websites lack automation and database support, they require manual maintenance for every change. This makes them suitable for small projects but impractical for larger, frequently updated websites.