Static files are assets that do not change dynamically on the server, such as images, CSS, JavaScript bundles, fonts, or pre-generated HTML. They are often served directly by a web server or CDN to improve performance and reduce load on application logic.
Why it matters
Serving static files efficiently reduces latency, improves SEO, and offloads work from the backend. Understanding how static files are cached and delivered is essential for high-performance web applications.
Examples
Hosting images and CSS on a CDN or serving compiled frontend bundles from a /static directory. Lessons like Serving Static Files explain strategies.