Nowadays, almost everyone can launch their website. Whether it is for a business or a personal project, some people rely on using builders when starting their websites. Meanwhile, others will craft their website from scratch through hand-coding.
Since using website builders and hand-coding are the most popular options when creating a site, both of those come with their advantages and disadvantages.
A website builder, while it can be suitable for beginners as it often uses a simple drag and drop method to develop a visually impressive website, may lack originality. It can also be restrictive when it comes to creativity since it follows a certain template.
On the other hand, there may be no limit to creativity when you code everything by hand. However, this option can be very difficult for those who are not well-versed in coding.
Still undecided on whether you will employ builders or just hand-code? We will further discuss below the pros and cons of hiring builders and doing hand-coding.
Builders
Website builders are software, programs, or tools that simplify the task of creating a website. These platforms, which can be either an online or offline format, allows a person to put together a website quickly and effortlessly without having to code it themselves. It offers a wide variety of pre-made templates, features, and elements which can be used with just a few clicks.
Aside from the drag and drop system, one of the highlights of using a website builder is that it often applies sticky elements that display social media accounts or contacts. Utilizing these plugins can help increase your website’s traffic or page views. It is also very useful to easily establish your online presence.
Some of the most popular online web builders are:
· WordPress
· Wix
· Squarespace
· Weebly
Advantages
Ease of use: One of the advantages of a website builder is its simplicity. Since it is mostly a point-and-click type of program, it does not require users to have extensive knowledge of coding. The built-in functions and tools make a website builder beginner-friendly.
Quick website set-up: Because builders are already equipped with functions necessary to create a website, it can save users a substantial amount of time.
Design options: Users do not have to be a graphics design expert to stitch a visually appealing website. Builders offer a wide range of themes and layouts that creators can choose and apply to their websites.
Customer support: While website builders provide an easy-to-use interface, there might be times when you might need help while using it. Most, if not all, have 24/7 customer support that you can contact when needed.
Affordability: Website builders are popular not only because it’s easy to use but also because they are cheap. Some builders are technically free, meaning you can set-up a website without any cost – still, you must pay for other services, add-on features, plugins, etc. The estimated cost for these fees can be anywhere from $5 to $50 per month.
Disadvantages
Lack of originality: There is also a downside to using website builders, despite the various built-in templates, layouts, and functions they offer. Since almost everyone can use these programs, there is a possibility that some websites might look-alike or closely identical.
In other words, you can’t expect to have a unique website when using builders – unless you avail of some additional features which can cost you some money.
Limited options: If you are hoping to fully customize your website, then using builders might not be the best option for you. It would be difficult to apply your creative ideas when building your bestie due to limited options.
Vulnerable to hacking: One of the huge weak points of creating a website using a builder is the security against hackers. While these programs will assure you that they can secure your website, there is no telling when it comes to hacking. If you do not personally check into your website for possible intrusion risks, the site’s security can be easily compromised.
Dependency on the program: Website builders are very appealing and suitable for beginners and those who are not tech-savvy. However, the “ease of use” promise of these programs makes users completely reliant on them. If the program or server faces a problem, these overly dependent users have no chance but to contact customer service and wait until the software is fixed.
Hand Coding
Hand coding simply means that a user will manually type every code to create a program or a website. Since this method relies on the knowledge and technique of the user, it does not require expensive editing software to build a web page.
Of course, hand-coding is more suitable for those who have basic programming skills. A huge part of this is the user’s knowledge of coding languages. This might be overwhelming for some and others might opt to hire experts who will code for them.
Some managed WP hosting companies offer services with an interface that lets you edit files directly on the server. If you have the required HTML and CSS skills, this is the quickest way to customize the various elements on your website
However, there are available resources out there that are perfect for beginners in coding. Novice coders can even try learning some of the most common kids coding languages. An example of this is Python – an easy-to-use text-based programming language. This, among other coding languages, is a perfect introductory resource to coding languages for kids and rookie coders.
Advantages
Original and customizable: Hand coding makes a website more original since it can be built depending on the user’s preferences in the web page’s design and overall functionality. Since a hand-coded website does not rely on templates, there is technically no limit when it comes to customization and creativity.
You have full control: Hand coding allows users to be in full control of their website. Users know more about how the web page was built since they did it themselves. This means that there is no need to contact and wait for customer support in case there will be bugs or issues on the web page.
However, hand-coding a website might seem daunting for beginners. This shouldn’t discourage you though, because there are plenty of resources to help you get started. For example, if you’re wondering how to start coding, there are numerous online platforms that offer comprehensive guides and tutorials for beginners.
Affordable: While web builders can be initially free to use, you still must pay for additional services. But when you opt for hand coding, there will be no hidden and additional charges.
More secure: This does not automatically mean that your code can be 100% secure. It simply means that having your code makes your website less prone to hacking or attacks. On the other hand, site builders – due to their similar codes – make a more attractive target.
Code understanding: Creating your website through hand-coding expands your programming knowledge and skills. When you overcome the challenges and issues in building your website, you become better at coding test. Over time, you will likewise grow into a more efficient coder and developer as you improve your coding fluency.
Disadvantages
Time-consuming: Users, especially novice coders, need to put ample time to study programming. There will also be a lot of trial-and-error when creating a website.
Errors and issues: Sometimes, even the smallest and slightest error in the syntax of the code can turn into a huge issue. These errors can affect the website in many ways. For example, the web page might not load properly, or some elements might now work.
Hiring a professional: Again, hand-coding can be difficult for beginners. Thus, some might feel the need to hire an expert to either create the whole website or offer support while the user builds the web page. Some problems in the system might also require someone with advanced knowledge in coding to fix it.
Conclusion
When creating a website, users have an option to either use website builders or do hand-coding.
Both options have their pros and cons. Users can decide which one is better depending on what kind of services they need, their knowledge in coding or programming, and their preferences in the overall look and functions of the web page.