Domain vs. Hosting: What's the Difference and Why You Need Both for a Website
When building a website, one of the very first questions that comes up is: "Do I need a domain and web hosting?" The short answer is yes! Yet many beginners get confused between the two. This article will describe the primary differences between having a domain and purchasing web hosting, why they both are required, and how they come together to allow a website on the net.
What Is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the website address that others type into their browsers to find you. For example, www.yourwebsite.com is a domain name. It is a human-friendly version of typing in an IP address (a long string of numbers computers use to talk to each other).
How Do Domain Names Work?
When a visitor enters your domain name in a browser, the request is routed to a Domain Name System (DNS), which translates the domain to the corresponding IP address. This directs the visitor to the correct web server where your website files are stored.
Where to Get a Domain Name
Domains are registered through domain registrars such as: - GoDaddy - Namecheap - Google Domains - Bluehost
Domains come at a price and need to be renewed on a yearly basis or for an extended period of time based on your plan.
What Is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is the service that hosts your website's files, images, and content on a server and allows it to go live online. Without hosting, your domain would have nothing to show.
Types of Web Hosting
There are various web hosting services available based on your requirements: 1. Shared Hosting – Multiple sites are hosted on one server. Ideal for newbies and low-traffic websites. 2. VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server) – A step up from shared hosting, providing enhanced performance and flexibility. 3. Dedicated Hosting – You have an entire server dedicated to your website. Ideal for high-traffic websites. 4. Cloud Hosting – An elastic web hosting service where your website is hosted on multiple servers for enhanced reliability.
Where to Find Web Hosting
Some popular web hosts include: - Bluehost (Good for beginners) - SiteGround - HostGator - A2 Hosting - DreamHost
Why You Must Have Both a Domain and Host
A domain name and web host are two distinct services, but they work together and bring your site to life. - A domain name is like the address on your house. - Web hosting is similar to the physical house where everything you own (website files) resides.
Without a domain name, others wouldn't know where to go to access your website. Without hosting, there would be no site to go to.
How to Link a Domain to Web Hosting
After you have both a domain name and a hosting plan, you must link them: 1. Get the Nameservers – Your hosting provider will give you the nameservers (i.e., ns1.hostingcompany.com). 2. Update Your Domain Settings – Sign in to your domain registrar and update the nameservers to point to your hosting provider. 3. Wait for Propagation – It may take several hours for the changes to become effective worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Both domain name acquisition and web hosting are integral steps in the process of developing a website. A domain gives your website an address by which it can be identified, while hosting enables your content to be accessed over the internet. By understanding the difference and how they support each other, you will be able to make informed decisions and create your website without much hassle.
If you're a beginner, most web hosting providers offer domain registration as part of their package, so it's easy to have everything together.
Ready to Launch Your Website?
Pick a domain, pick a host, and start building your web presence today!