Creating a website involves two key elements: domain names and web hosting. Let’s break down what they are and how they work together.
1. Understanding Domain Names
A domain name is your website’s address on the internet. For example, in “www.example.com“, “example.com” is the domain name.
Key Parts of a Domain:
- Top-Level Domain (TLD): The end part, like .com, .org, or .net.
- Second-Level Domain (SLD): The main part, like “example” in “example.com”.
- Subdomains: Prefixes like “blog.example.com” to organize your site.
How Domain Names Work:
- Registration: Register your domain through a registrar (e.g., GoDaddy).
- DNS (Domain Name System): Translates the domain name into an IP address.
- Pointing: DNS records point your domain to your web hosting server.
2. Understanding Web Hosting
Web hosting is where your website’s files are stored, making it accessible online.
Types of Web Hosting:
- Shared Hosting: Multiple websites share the same server. Affordable, but slower.
- VPS Hosting: Dedicated resources on a shared server. More control and speed.
- Dedicated Hosting: Entire server for your site. Maximum performance, higher cost.
- Cloud Hosting: Uses virtual servers. Scalable and reliable.
- Managed Hosting: Provider manages server maintenance and security.
How Web Hosting Works:
- Storing Files: Store your website files on a server.
- Server Configuration: The provider sets up the server to handle requests.
- Bandwidth and Storage: Plans offer different capacities for traffic and storage.
3. How Domain and Hosting Work Together
To make your website accessible:
- Register a Domain: Choose a name that represents your brand.
- Choose a Hosting Plan: Select a plan that suits your needs.
- Link Domain to Hosting: Update DNS settings to point to your hosting provider.
- Upload Files: Use FTP to upload your website files.
- Launch Your Site: Your website is now live!
