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Guide 02 · Static hosting

From files to a working website

A static host sends prepared files to the browser. The browser reads those files and builds the page you see.

What makes this website static?

All pages are saved as HTML files. Their style comes from CSS. The quiz uses JavaScript in the visitor's browser. There is no database, login system, or application server.

Browser requestHost sends filesPage appears

What does each file do?

Holds headings, text, links, and forms.Controls colors, spacing, and layout.Adds actions, such as checking quiz answers.
File typeMain job
HTML
CSS
JavaScript

Why is index.html important?

A host can use index.html as the default page for a website or directory. The lab's upload folder places this file at the root so visitors can open the homepage.

What happens when traffic grows?

Scalability is the ability to handle more work. Elasticity is the ability to adjust capacity as demand changes. Managed hosting can handle much of this work without the website owner managing individual servers.

A content delivery network, or CDN, can keep copies of static files closer to visitors. It can reduce the amount of work sent to the original host.

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