What are the advantages and disadvantages of using dynamic JavaScript for visitor counters compared to static image counters?

When using dynamic JavaScript for visitor counters, the advantages include real-time updates and the ability to track unique visitors. However, disadvantages may include slower loading times and potential inaccuracies due to ad blockers or disabled JavaScript. On the other hand, static image counters are lightweight and reliable, but they lack the real-time functionality and unique visitor tracking.

<?php
// Code snippet for implementing a static image visitor counter

$counterFile = 'visitor_count.txt';

// Read the current count from the file
$counter = (file_exists($counterFile)) ? file_get_contents($counterFile) : 0;

// Increment the counter
$counter++;

// Write the new count back to the file
file_put_contents($counterFile, $counter);

// Display the counter on the webpage
echo 'Visitors: ' . $counter;
?>