websitebuilder

A website builder is a software platform that enables individuals and organizations to create and publish websites without writing code. It provides a graphical user interface, templates or themes, and hosting in a single package. Most builders include a visual editor, drag-and-drop components, responsive design, and built-in tools for tasks such as image handling, forms, and navigation menus.

Website builders come in two broad forms: hosted (software as a service) offerings and self-hosted or open-source solutions that integrate with a content management system. Hosted builders bundle hosting, domain management, security, and updates, while self-hosted options offer greater control and customization but require separate hosting and maintenance. Core features typically include templates, e-commerce modules, SEO tools, analytics, plugins or apps, and customer support.

Common use cases include small business sites, portfolios, blogs, and online stores. Benefits include faster setup, lower upfront costs, simplified maintenance, and consistent updates. Trade-offs can include limited design flexibility, ongoing subscription costs, potential vendor lock-in, and performance constraints tied to the provider's infrastructure.

Since the early 2000s, hosted builders such as Weebly, Wix, and Squarespace popularized drag-and-drop website design. The market has since expanded to include niche builders for portfolios, events, and e-commerce, along with tools that integrate marketing, booking, and content management. As competition emphasizes templates, speed, and seamless integrations, website builders remain a common option for nontechnical users and rapid prototyping.