When it comes to creating a website, there are two primary approaches: through  website building or hand-code a website from scratch. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and goals. 

If you’re choosing website building, you will probably go to WordPress or Wix; if you’re going with Coding, HTML is your best option. Of course, for animation and transition, CSS is best. Other than these platforms, which option will you go with—maybe AI these days? Choosing the suitable method is a personal preference, but with statistics and data, you’ll have a better idea of which platform to start with.

Let’s look at some statistics on Website Building vs Coding.

• In 2023 a survey was conducted by w3techs, which revealed 43.2% of the website were built by using WordPress. 
• You’ll be shocked to know this, more than the top 1 million websites were built by using WordPress, around 36.28%. 
• One of many reasons to use website building is that there are 60,000+ plugins available in the WordPress directory. 

Let us not forget HTML here:

• As of 2023, HTML is used by 95.2% of websites on the internet.
• In the same survey, HTML5 is used by 92.0% of websites on the internet.
• The average HTML website loads within 2 to 3 seconds. Which is relatively fast compared to WordPress.

Here is a graph that shows just how much WordPress CMS (Content Management Systems) dominated website building.

Understanding Website Building vs Coding

Before delving into the comparison, let’s clarify the concepts of website building and coding.

Website Building

When you hear the term website building, it usually revolves around platforms like WordPress  or other website builders. Website building’s main focus area is using user-friendly platforms or software that streamline the process of creating a website. These platforms commonly incorporate a drag-and-drop interface, which empowers users to design their websites without the need for coding expertise. Such website builders have gained immense popularity, especially among individuals and small businesses, owing to their simplicity and efficiency.

For instance, WordPress stands out as a leading website builder choice. It offers a wide array of pre-designed templates that users can easily customize through a simple drag-and-drop editor. This unique feature enables users to view real-time changes to their website without having to write any code whatsoever.

Coding

Coding, on the other hand, refers to the manual process of writing lines of code to build a website from scratch. Skilled developers often choose this method to have complete control over every aspect of their website’s design and functionality. Common coding languages for web development include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP, among others.

Here is an example of HTML coding:

  
Welcome to My Coding Website
  
This is an example of a basic HTML structure.

In this given example, we have a straightforward HTML structure comprising a header (

) and a paragraph (

). The process of coding grants developers the ability to construct custom websites, providing them with precise control over layout, design, and interactivity. Through coding, developers can tailor every aspect of the website to meet specific requirements, resulting in a highly personalized and dynamic online presence.

Pros and Cons of Website Building

Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of using website builders for your project.

Pros of Website Building

• User-Friendly Interface: Website builders offer an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making them accessible to individuals with no coding experience. This democratizes website creation and enables more people to establish an online presence.
• Time-Efficient: With website builders, you can create a functional website in a matter of hours or days, as opposed to coding, which can take weeks or even months.
• Cost-Effective: Website builders often come with affordable pricing plans (most of them are free), eliminating the need to hire professional developers, which can be costly.

Cons of Website Building

• Limited Customization: While website builders provide numerous templates and design options, they can be limiting when it comes to customization. Users may encounter restrictions on design elements and functionalities (most of them are paid).
• Dependency on Platform: When using a website builder, you are tied to the platform’s ecosystem. Switching to a different platform may involve rebuilding the entire website (just like Apple).

Pros and Cons of Coding

Now, let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of building a website through manual coding.

Pros of Coding

• Unlimited Flexibility: Coding offers limitless flexibility and control over the website’s design and functionality. You can create unique, tailor-made solutions according to your specific requirements.
• Optimized Performance: Hand-coded websites can be optimized for better performance, resulting in faster loading times and improved user experience.
• SEO Advantage: By coding a website from scratch, developers can fine-tune the site’s structure and meta tags for better search engine optimization (SEO) results.

Cons of Coding

• Steep Learning Curve: Learning to code proficiently takes time and dedication. For beginners, mastering coding languages can be challenging and overwhelming.
• Time-Consuming: Hand-coding a website can be a time-consuming process, especially for complex projects that require meticulous attention to detail.
• Higher Cost: Hiring skilled developers proficient in coding languages can be costly, especially for small businesses and individuals on a tight budget.

Which Method is Best for You?

The choice between website building and coding depends on several factors, including your project’s scope, budget, timeline, and technical expertise.

Choose Website Building If:

1. You lack very little coding knowledge and are a newbie.
2. A straightforward website with fundamental features is required.
3. You have a tight budget and need to launch your site quickly.

Example: A local bakery owner with no coding knowledge wants to create a straightforward website to showcase their products and contact information. Using a website builder like Squarespace or Shopify would be a suitable choice, allowing them to have an attractive website up and running in no time.

Choose Coding If:

1. You require a complex, custom-designed website with specific functionalities.
2. You have the technical expertise or are willing to invest time in learning coding languages.
3. You want complete ownership and control over your website’s design and functionality.

Example: A tech startup building a sophisticated web application with intricate user interactions and unique design requirements would benefit from coding. This approach ensures that the website meets its exact specifications and stands out from competitors.

Finding a Middle Ground: Hybrid Approach

In some cases, a hybrid approach can be the ideal solution. This approach involves using website builders as a foundation and then incorporating custom code to enhance the website’s features and design.

Example: An e-commerce business may choose a website builder like BigCommerce to set up its online store quickly. However, they might employ a developer to integrate custom payment gateways or implement advanced SEO techniques through manual coding.

Conclusion

The decision between website building and coding depends on your project’s complexity, technical expertise, budget, and timeline. Website builders are excellent options for beginners and those seeking a quick and cost-effective solution. On the other hand, coding offers unlimited flexibility and control, making it suitable for complex projects and those who prioritize customization.

Remember, the right choice is the one that aligns with your specific needs and objectives. Assess your requirements carefully, and whether you opt for website building or coding, building a robust online presence will undoubtedly be a rewarding experience for your business or personal endeavors.

FAQs on Website Building vs Coding 

Can I switch from a website builder to a custom-coded website later?

Yes, it is possible to migrate from a website builder to a custom-coded website. However, the process may involve significant effort, and it’s essential to plan the migration carefully to avoid data loss or disruptions.

Which approach is ultimately most cost-effective?

Website builders have lower initial costs, and custom-coded websites may prove to be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for businesses with evolving needs that require frequent updates and enhancements.

Is coding a website time-consuming?

Yes, coding a website from scratch can be time-consuming, particularly if you require advanced functionalities. However, the extra time investment often results in a highly customized and tailored website.

Can I implement e-commerce features on a website builder?

Many website builders offer e-commerce functionalities through plugins or add-ons. While they can handle basic e-commerce needs, a custom-coded website provides more flexibility.