Website builder
A website builder (also a homepage builder , internet builder , web builder , website builder , site builder or page builder ) is a special form of a web content management system (WCMS). Website builders make it relatively easy to create a website . Compared to classic WCMS or enterprise content management systems, website construction kits have a limited range of functions and are usually made available immediately by application service providers . Installation on the user side is therefore not necessary - in contrast to HTML editors . It is operated via a web browser . The Internet presences created with Internet construction kits are sometimes exported to the user's web server as static HTML pages or Flash films , but mostly hosted on the provider's web server . In the German-speaking area there is a large number of construction kit providers.
The separation of design and content is usually done by templates (design templates), which enables the design to be changed without having to recreate the pages. A selection of templates is always provided with these systems. Some systems also allow the integration of individual design templates.
The usual area of application for these modular systems is the quick and inexpensive creation and updating of simple Internet presences. The target group are mostly private users, small businesses and local associations of large organizations. Due to the limited range of functions, the Internet construction kits can also be operated by users with little computer and Internet knowledge.
In the meantime, branch-specific Internet modular systems are increasingly establishing themselves. Some of these systems offer the user navigation, text and image suggestions that are specially tailored to his branch. Such systems make it much easier to adapt to your own needs.
Online and offline modular systems
Web-based ( online ) website builders run entirely on the servers of the respective provider. The user must set up a user account in order to be able to edit his website. The provider provides both web space and a (sub) domain . Editing of the website takes place entirely in the web browser ; the installation of additional software is not required. The providers rely on a real-time display of the content, also known as WYSIWYG .
An offline website kit is a software that the user installs locally on his computer. The provider usually only provides the program for editing the website, while the user takes care of the hosting and domain components himself . In many cases, free offers are used here, such as Mobirise .
The main advantage of the web-based website construction kit is its ease of use, which can be done from practically any Internet computer. Furthermore, the user only has one provider to contact if problems arise. A disadvantage is the dependency on the chosen provider, who provides both the software and the hosting .
The advantage of an offline modular system is the greater flexibility this solution offers. The user can, for example, access the files in the web space via FTP . In addition, he does not have to rely on constant Internet access to edit his website. A disadvantage for many users is the greater technical knowledge that such an offline modular system usually requires.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Best website builder 2020: 12 providers in comparison. Accessed January 12, 2020 (German).