In the early days of the web, most sites were made up of static HTML pages. Some still are, which is fine for small sites where the content doesn’t need to expand or be updated frequently. For larger and more complex sites it makes sense for them to be database driven.

With database driven sites the content is held in databases and drawn into templates which govern the look and feel. Some of the advantages are:

* The content is organised and stored in a logical way, making the site more flexible and expandable.
* The design of the site is preserved no matter how many changes are made to content.
* It makes it possible to offer users alternative ways of seeing the content.
* Upkeep and maintenance of the content can be put in the control of clients with a content management system. This gives you the power to respond to users and to keep content up-to-date and relevant. It also frees you from the cost and hassle of getting your web design team to do it for you!