When building a website, two essential components are often misunderstood: domain names and web hosting. While they work closely together, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction is crucial before launching any website.
What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the unique address used to access a website on the internet. It is what users type into the browser’s address bar to visit a website.
- Example: example.com
- Domains are registered through domain registrars like Hostinger, GoDaddy, or Namecheap.
- A domain points users to your website’s hosting server via DNS (Domain Name System).
Essentially, a domain acts as a digital address for your website. However, purchasing a domain alone doesn’t create a functioning website—it simply secures the name.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is a service that provides the storage space and infrastructure required to run a website. Hosting providers store your website’s files—HTML, CSS, images, scripts—on a server, and deliver them to visitors when your domain is accessed.
Popular hosting providers include Hostinger, DigitalOcean, and Bluehost.
There are various types of web hosting:
- Shared Hosting (affordable, beginner-friendly)
- VPS Hosting (virtual private server)
- Dedicated Hosting (high performance)
- Cloud Hosting (scalable and flexible)
Without hosting, your website’s content cannot be accessed online.
Do You Need Both?
Yes. A website requires both a domain name and web hosting:
- The domain name allows users to find your site.
- Web hosting ensures your site is live and accessible with content.
You can purchase these services from the same provider or separately, but both must be connected for your website to function.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between domain and hosting is fundamental for anyone looking to create a website—whether it’s a personal portfolio, a blog, or a business site. By distinguishing these two terms, you’re already one step closer to launching your website successfully.