What is a Static Site Generator?

1. What is a Static Site Generator?

 

 

A static site generator is a tool that generates a completely static HTML website based on raw data and templates. In other words, it is a concept that returns to the origins of website creation, where pages that were previously displayed dynamically using a content management system (CMS) are generated as HTML in advance and then displayed. It has gained attention as one of the development methodologies known as Jamstack.

 

For example, let's say there is a section called "Announcements." In a CMS, when a new article is posted to the announcements list from the admin panel, the CMS dynamically generates the page by listing the announcements from the database whenever the announcements page is accessed thereafter. While this has the advantage of always displaying the most up-to-date information, it has recently been observed that the bloating of CMS features can sometimes cause slower page loading speeds.

 

When achieving the same with a static site generator, an HTML file corresponding to the newly added announcement is generated at the timing of the addition. Although there is a delay until the generation is complete, once it is done, the page will be displayed quickly.

 

Static site generators that automate the generation of web pages and the implementation of templates are part of a web development approach called Jamstack, which is gaining attention as an alternative to or complement for content management systems (CMS).

2. Background of the Growing Attention on Static Site Generators

The reason static site generators have recently gained attention stems from the limitations revealed through years of site management using CMS. First, since CMS runs on a server and dynamically generates web pages, the site loading time can become slow. Additionally, because CMS needs to access a database to generate web pages, an increase in database size can negatively impact site performance.

 

Furthermore, CMSs can have complex interfaces, making it difficult for users who are not familiar with them to update content. In other words, there are too many things you can do in the admin panel, making it hard to understand how to use it—much like a remote control for a TV with too many advanced features can be confusing.

 

Additionally, CMSs can have security vulnerabilities, and without proper security measures, there is a risk of data leaks or site downtime caused by attackers. Even seemingly trivial pages like announcements are connected to a backend database, which also manages customer order lists and login information, making them susceptible to attacks by malicious hackers.

 

To address these issues, static site generators have come into focus. Since static site generators produce static HTML pages, there is no need to dynamically generate web pages, significantly reducing site loading times. Additionally, unlike CMSs, static site generators do not require access to a database, so they do not affect performance.

 

Furthermore, sites using static site generators can be easier to use than CMSs. By using simple text files like Markdown or adopting a management interface with a feature-limited headless CMS, content updates can be performed easily.

 

Another noteworthy point is that static site generators are less likely to have security vulnerabilities. Since static site generators create web pages statically, the potential for security vulnerabilities on the site is reduced. Because there is no database or anything connected behind the scenes, even if hacked, there is no confidential information to be stolen.

 

3. Improvement of Core Web Vitals

A major reason why static site generators are currently attracting attention is their contribution to improving Core Web Vitals. Core Web Vitals are metrics introduced by Google to evaluate the quality of websites. These include load time, interactivity, and visual stability. By using a static site generator, you can optimize website performance and improve Core Web Vitals. Since static sites load quickly, load times are shorter, reducing user wait times.

 

Google has announced that it considers Core Web Vitals to be important metrics from an SEO perspective, and improving these scores particularly emphasizes the importance of site loading speed. Creating a site that loads quickly with a static site generator is essential for SEO measures.

4. Disadvantages of Static Site Generators

There are naturally also disadvantages to introducing a static site generator. For example, generating pages can take time. This is not a problem for a few pages, but if you regenerate all property information on a real estate site every time there is a change, it could take several hours to complete.

 

Another point is that there are hardly any pre-made templates available, so developers need to create their own templates. When using a CMS like WordPress, you can often use existing themes for free. In the case of static site generators, such resources are not easily accessible. While this can be an advantage in terms of high customizability, it may feel troublesome if you do not have strong preferences.

 

A similar point is the lack of an easy-to-use interface. Since there is no management screen like a CMS, it is difficult for users without development experience to publish content using a static site generator. This issue can be somewhat resolved by connecting it with a headless CMS. Additionally, updates to parts of the website other than the content often require developer support.

5. Use Cases of Static Site Generators

Static site generators are particularly well-suited for specific use cases such as small-scale websites, blogs, portfolios, and documentation sites. They are not suitable for sites that require frequent updates and real-time content. Examples of such use cases include the following.

 

5.1 Blog Site

Static site generators are ideal for building blog sites. Blog posts are usually created in simple file formats such as text and images. These files are converted into HTML pages using a static site generator. When you edit the blog post titles or content, the HTML pages are automatically updated as well. This eliminates the need to manually copy and paste blog posts into HTML pages, saving time.

 

5.2 Event Site

Static site generators are also suitable for building event sites. Event sites often include information such as event details, schedules, sessions, and speakers. This information can be converted into HTML pages using a static site generator. This allows for smooth navigation of the event site and provides useful information to participants.

 

5.3 Portfolio Site

Static site generators are ideal for building portfolio sites. Portfolio sites often contain a lot of visual content, such as photos, illustrations, and graphic designs.

6. Choosing a Static Site Generator

Static site generators are constantly evolving, with new features and improvements added every year. To choose the most suitable static site generator, it is necessary to compare them according to the requirements of your project.

 

The main point of discussion is the compatibility between static site generators and the frameworks used to develop the site. What programming language is being used, and what framework is being used?

 

For example, if you are using React.js as your JavaScript framework, Next.js would likely be your top choice. This is because Next.js is positioned as an extended framework of React.js. Gatsby is also a strong candidate. It is a framework based on React.js. In recent years, its popularity and developer satisfaction have tended to decline due to competition from newer frameworks, but recently there was a major announcement that Netlify acquired it. As the original proponent of the Jamstack concept and the de facto standard for deployment environments, Netlify's full support gives hope for the future.

 

If you are building with Vue, Nuxt 3 will likely be a strong candidate. In this way, you will choose the best option based on the characteristics and compatibility of each.

 

You can find detailed information about various static site generators on this site.
https://jamstack.org/generators/

Summary

Static site generators play a crucial role in web development, especially in Jamstack. It is recommended to use static site generators to improve the speed and performance of static web pages. Depending on the use case, using a static site generator can also enhance development efficiency. However, there are drawbacks. Static site generators require development experience and may have a difficult-to-use interface. Nevertheless, by addressing these challenges, you can ultimately build fast and robust websites or applications. Choosing the right static site generator is important, and it is advisable to compare them according to the requirements of your project.