Static Site Generation (SSG)
Build process that pre-generates all website pages as static HTML files for optimal performance and simplified hosting.
Definition
Static site generation creates complete HTML files for every page at build time, eliminating server-side processing during user visits. This approach combines the performance benefits of static HTML with the development convenience of dynamic templating systems.
SSG enables complex websites to be served from simple file hosting or Content Delivery Networks while maintaining fast build processes for content updates. Modern static generators support dynamic features through client-side JavaScript and API integration.
Why It Matters
Static sites achieve the best possible performance scores while minimizing hosting costs and security vulnerabilities. Sites load instantly and can handle massive traffic spikes without additional infrastructure investment.
Organizations reduce operational complexity and hosting costs by 70-90% while improving reliability and performance. Static sites rarely experience downtime and provide consistent experiences regardless of traffic levels or geographic location.
Examples in Practice
Gatsby powers thousands of company websites and blogs, pre-generating pages that load instantly while supporting dynamic features like contact forms and search through API integration.
GitHub Pages hosts millions of project documentation sites using Jekyll static generation, providing reliable hosting for open source communities without server maintenance.
Netlify enables agencies to build client websites with static generation that achieve perfect Lighthouse scores while supporting content management through headless CMS integration and form handling.