What Are Domain & Hosting? Explained in Simple Terms
If you are thinking of creating your own website, you must have heard the terms "domain" and "hosting". It is not possible to get a website live online without these two things. Let's understand these two topics in a simple way.
What is a Domain?
In simple terms, a domain is the address of your website. For example, google.com or facebook.com is a domain name. People type this address in their browser to access your website. Each website has a unique IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1), which is difficult to remember. A domain name converts this complex IP address into an easy-to-understand name.
What is a Hosting?
Hosting is an online space where all the files of your website (e.g., code, images, videos, database) are stored. When a user types your domain name in the browser, the hosting server displays the website's files to the user.
You can compare hosting to a house and the domain to that house's address. Just as you have furniture and other items in your house, hosting contains the files for your website.
How Do Domain & Hosting Work?
- You purchase a domain name (e.g., yoursite.com).
- You purchase a hosting package where you upload your website files.
- You connect the domain to the hosting (usually by updating nameservers).
- When someone types your domain in the browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) sends that request to your hosting server and the website is displayed.
"A domain is your online identity and hosting is the digital home for that identity."
Hopefully, you now have a clear idea about domain and hosting. Choosing the right domain and hosting for your business is very important.