HTML is the name of the language of the code a web browser needs to receive from the website in order to display a webpage. The source of said HTML code is considered either "static" or "scripted". Static HTML is written and saved to the server as it will be viewed. This information is changed only by rewriting the specific page (if a common element in say a header or footer needs to be changed it needs to be changed in each and every page) . The other source of HTML code, "scripted html", produces the html code "on the fly" through one or more scripting languages such as asp, php, or perl. This source is also referred to as "dynamic" as logical decisions can be made by the script based upon user, cookie, or other input (simple example: If this is a registered user then display "Welcome {USERS_NAME}" or else display "Welcome Guest"). A scripted HTML website stores the data for the pages in either the "include page" style and/or by using a database. Changes need only be made to the specific stored file or database item and are as easy to change as you want the interface written. Most web applications require using a database. Mixing sources and styles is fine. What matters is that the website fulfills it's objectives.