Separate Mobile Sites
Separate Mobile Sites is a web development approach where distinct websites are created for desktop and mobile users, typically with separate URLs (e.g., m.example.com). It involves designing and building a dedicated mobile-optimized site with simplified content, navigation, and features tailored for smaller screens and touch interactions. This methodology was widely used before responsive web design became the dominant standard for mobile-friendly development.
Developers should learn about Separate Mobile Sites primarily for historical context, maintenance of legacy systems, or specific performance-critical scenarios where a lightweight mobile-only site is needed. It's useful when targeting very low-bandwidth environments or devices with severe hardware limitations, as it allows for extreme optimization. However, it's generally not recommended for new projects due to maintenance overhead and SEO challenges compared to responsive design.