A static site generator is a build approach that produces website pages as pre-generated files (usually HTML, CSS, and JavaScript). Instead of generating pages on demand from a database, the site is built ahead of time and then served as static files.
If you are comparing approaches, static site generators are one of the platform categories covered on How to Choose the Right Platform to Build a Website.
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What a Static Site Generator Is
A static site generator (SSG) is a tool that takes source content and templates, then builds a complete set of website pages. The output is a folder of files that can be hosted without a traditional server-side application.
Static site generators are often used when you want the performance and simplicity of static pages, but still want a structured workflow for content and layouts.
- Pages are created during a build process, not during each visitor request
- Content is typically stored in files (such as Markdown) or pulled from a content source
- The generated site can be hosted on many types of hosting providers
How Static Sites Are Built and Published
With an SSG, you do not usually edit pages through a browser-based admin panel. Instead, content and layouts are prepared first, then the generator builds the website.
A typical workflow includes these stages:
- Create or update content (for example, adding a new page or post)
- Run a build process that generates the final site files
- Publish the generated files to your hosting environment
This build-and-publish model changes how updates happen. Instead of editing a page directly on the live site, you rebuild and redeploy the site whenever content changes.
When a Static Site Generator Is a Good Fit
Static site generators are most useful when your site content does not require a database-driven system for each visit. They are often chosen when performance, security, and predictable output matter more than in-browser editing.
- Documentation sites and knowledge bases with structured content
- Blogs where content is published regularly but does not require complex user accounts
- Marketing or informational sites that prioritize speed and reliability
- Projects where hosting simplicity and reduced attack surface are priorities
Static sites can also be a strong fit when you are comfortable using a build process and want to reduce long-term maintenance related to databases and server-side applications.
Trade-Offs and Limits of Static Site Generators
Static site generators are not the right choice for every website. The main trade-offs come from the fact that pages are generated ahead of time.
- Updates require a build and deployment step, not just an edit-and-save action
- Non-technical editors may find the workflow less accessible than a CMS dashboard
- Dynamic features (accounts, complex personalization, certain search patterns) may require external services or custom development
- Some content changes may depend on a version-controlled workflow rather than a browser interface
For sites that need frequent in-browser editing by multiple contributors, or sites that depend heavily on database-driven features, a CMS or application-based setup can be more practical.
How to Evaluate Static Site Generators Against Other Platforms
When deciding whether an SSG is the right approach, focus on how you will create and maintain content over time. The key question is whether a build-based workflow supports your goals and resources.
- If you want a simple editing interface and a plugin ecosystem, a CMS may be a better fit
- If you want a fast, secure site with fewer moving parts, an SSG may be a better fit
- If you need complex interactive functionality, an application-based approach may be more appropriate
The best choice is the one that matches how you plan to publish, update, and maintain the site, not just how the site looks on launch day.