Hey everyone! I'm trying to set up a simple trivia website where users can answer random questions, and I'd like the next question to pop up automatically after they submit their answer. I'm a bit stuck on whether to use a static or dynamic database for the questions and answers. Also, I'm curious about which free hosting options would suit my needs best. I'm considering Firebase or Netlify, but I'm open to suggestions. Since I'm just practicing for now and not worried about traffic, I want to keep things simple. By the way, I find GitHub a bit intimidating—should I be concerned? Thanks for your input!
4 Answers
I’d lean towards a static setup. You won’t have to worry about keeping a backend updated—which is great for someone still learning. Plus, focusing on front-end work could be more rewarding for you at this stage. If you're worried about people inspecting your code, you could even obfuscate your data with basic encryption. Stick to the standard tools and enjoy your coding journey!
A dynamic database is definitely your best bet for easily adding or updating content. Netlify is great for simple static sites, while Firebase could be awesome for dynamic data. Don't stress too much about GitHub; it's primarily for version control and isn't that scary once you dive in.
Going with a dynamic setup could be more practical long-term. With a backend, you can update questions easily, and it keeps the answers hidden from users who might try to cheat. Node.js and Express are great tools to use since you can stick with JavaScript for both front and back ends. GitHub might look complicated, but it's really just Pull -> Commit -> Push once you get the hang of it. And for hosting, GitHub does provide static hosting, but dynamic is definitely more fitting for your project.
Thanks for that info, really clears things up!
Just a thought: look at Wordle. It's static and people can cheat if they want, but most enjoy it for the game itself. If you're worried about cheating on your trivia site, remember that many users just want to have fun without overthinking it.
Totally agree, enjoying the game matters more!
Glad to hear that helps you decide!