If you’re new to website creation, you might have heard that having a domain is essential to building a website. However, many beginners mistakenly interchange the terms domain name, website, and website hosting, as understandingthese technical jargons can be confusing.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explain domain names and how they function. Further, you will also get an idea of web hosting solutions and how you can lookup domain names to build your website.
What is a domain name and what is its function?
A domain name is a unique and human-readable address used to identify and access websites on the internet. It serves as the online identity or the web address of a particular website. When you type a domain name into a web browser, it directs you to the corresponding website associated with that domain.
Domain names are essential for internet navigation as they provide a user-friendly way to access websites instead of using numerical IP addresses. They play a significant role in branding, marketing, and establishing an online presence for businesses, organizations, and individuals. Domain names are composed of two main parts: the actual name (e.g., “example”) and the top-level domain (TLD) (e.g., “.com”, “.org”, “.net”, etc.), separated by a dot (period).
When you enter a domain name in your web browser, it sends a request to the global network of servers known as the Domain Name System (DNS). These servers locate the name servers associated with the domain and forward the request. The name servers, managed by your hosting company, direct the request to the web server where your website is stored. The web server, equipped with special software like Apache or Nginx, fetches the web page and associated data, sending it back to the user’s browser, allowing them to access and view the website content.
What is Web hosting?
Web hosting refers to the service provided by companies or providers that allows individuals and organizations to make their websites accessible on the internet. In simpler terms, web hosting is like renting space on a server, which is a powerful computer that stores and delivers the files and data necessary to display a website to visitors.
Suppose you create a website, you need to store files, images, videos, and other content on a server so that people can access it through the internet. Web hosting companies offer various hosting plans that cater to different needs, such as shared hosting, virtual private server (VPS) hosting, dedicated hosting, and cloud hosting.If you are looking to create a website, you can easily find companies offering hosting services in India to meet your specific requirements. Companies like Bigrock provide hosting services in India that is tailored to different needs.
How is a domain name different from website and web hosting?
Domain name is the unique address that users enter in their browsers to reach a specific website. The website itself is a collection of web pages and content that is accessed under the domain name. Web hosting is the service that stores and delivers the website’s files and data to users when they access the domain. Together, these components work in sync to bring a website online and make it accessible to the global audience.
