A domain is the address where people find your website, while hosting provides the necessary infrastructure and space to store your website’s content. It’s helpful to understand these differences between domain vs hosting when you’re making decisions on how and where to register your website’s domain name.
This article first explains what domains and hosting are and how they work. We then discuss how they work together to launch a website and the key differences between the concepts. We then explain the best place to get a domain and/or hosting and answer the most common frequently asked questions about domains VS hosting. Let’s go!
What Is A Domain?
A domain is a unique web address that identifies a specific location on the internet. It’s a user-friendly way to visit websites and online resources.
A domain consists of a main domain name, such as “example.com”. “Example” represents the unique name chosen by the website owner. The “.com” part is commonly referred to as a top-level domain (TLD). This serves as the ending or extension of the domain name. Many domains also include subdomains, such as “blog.example.com,” “store.example.com”, or “support.example.com”. Subdomains further organize web content.
How Does A Domain Work?
A domain works by translating human-readable web addresses into computer-understandable IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. The process starts when a user enters a domain name in their web browser. The browser then sends a request to the domain’s associated nameservers which are part of the Domain Name System (DNS). A DNS acts as the internet’s directory system and is responsible for mapping domain names to their corresponding IP addresses.
After the nameservers provide the IP address, the user’s browser uses it to locate and connect to the correct server. This connection enables the retrieval and display of the website’s content for users to browse.
What Are The Types Of Domain Extension?
There are over 1,000 types of domain extension listed in the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Root Zone Database. Each domain extension helps to define and categorize the purpose or origin of a website. There are 5 common types of domain extension and they are .com, .org , .net , .gov and .edu
There are also websites with country-code domain extensions. 3 examples are .uk: (United Kingdom), .ca: (Canada) and .jp (Japan).
Additional domain extensions were released in the 2010s in order to cater to more specific purposes. 3 of them are .app (mobile and web applications), .blog(bloggers and writers), .store (online stores).
What Is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is the technological service that makes websites accessible on the internet once a user enters the website’s domain name. Web hosting providers specialize in storing and managing website files, databases, and resources. There are 6 types of web hosting that offer varying tiers of power and scalability.
How Does Web Hosting Work?
Web hosting works by providing storage space and access for websites on specialized servers that are typically housed in data centers. Servers are powerful computers designed to handle multiple requests from users over the internet. They allow users to access your website when they type your domain name into their browsers.
What Are The Types Of Web Hosting?
There are six types of web hosting. Shared Hosting is where several websites share resources on a single server. VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server) provides dedicated resources within a virtual server environment. Dedicated Hosting assigns an exclusive server to a single website. Cloud Hosting uses a network of virtual servers. WordPress Hosting is optimized for WordPress websites. Reseller Hosting allows individuals to sell hosting services to others.
How Do A Domain Name And Web Hosting Work Together To Launch A Website?
A domain name and web hosting work together to launch a website by providing both an address and a place to store all its files. The domain name is translated by the DNS into an IP address. This is used by browsers to find the correct server that’s being managed by the web hosting provider. This collaboration between domains and hosting ensures users can easily locate and view the correct website in their browser.
What Are The Key Differences Between Domain Vs Hosting?
The key differences between domain vs hosting are their distinct functions in the operation of a website. Domain name is like the street address of a home that makes it easy to find. Web hosting in comparison is like the house itself that holds all your belongings (website files) and makes them available for visitors.
Domains and hosting are often provided by separate companies because domain registration and web hosting require different expertise and resources. Registrars focus on managing the DNS infrastructure and ensuring that domains are correctly route. Web hosting companies concentrate on maintaining the hardware and software necessary to keep websites running smoothly and securely.
Learn more about domain name in our full writeup.
Where To Get A Domain And/Or Hosting?
You can get a domain and/or hosting from various domain registrars and hosting providers. Some providers offer both domain and hosting services. Individuals who already have either a domain or web hosting can also purchase the missing component separately.
Where Do I Buy Domain Names From?
You can buy a domain name from a domain registrar like Domain.com, Namecheap or GoDaddy. Search for available domain names, select the one you want, and complete the purchase. Domain registrars often provide additional features like WHOIS Privacy to protect your personal information from being publicly visible in the WHOIS database.
Where Do I Buy Web Hosting From?
You can buy web hosting directly from web hosting providers. These providers offer a range of hosting plans and types. This allows you to choose the one that best suits your specific website needs. The process involves selecting a hosting plan, setting up your account, and opting for any additional features you require. If you purchase web hosting and domains separately, you then need to connect your domain to your web host.
Can I Buy Domains and Web Hosting Together?
Yes, you can buy web hosting and domains together as a package. Many web hosting providers offer this option, and include a free domain in their hosting packages. This is a cost-efficient and convenient option since you won’t have to change your domain name settings. Managing and renewing both services from the same dashboard also simplifies administration. Hostinger, TMDHosting, and GreenGeeks are some of the top web hosts that offer domain and web hosting packages.
Domain VS Hosting FAQ
Understanding the differences between domains and hosting is crucial for any website owner. Here are the answers to 4 common queries about domains and hosting services:
Can I Get A Domain For Free?
Yes, you can get a domain for free. The best option is to obtain it through a web hosting provider that offers a complimentary domain when you purchase a hosting plan. This feature is often limited to the first year of service. You will need to renew and pay for your domain to retain ownership after the initial year.
Can You Host Your Own Domain?
Yes, you can host your own domain. To do so, you’ll need to set up your own web server, manage server configurations, and handle all technical aspects. This is a complex process and requires advanced technical skills. Most people opt for third-party web hosting services for convenience.
How To Connect A Domain To Web Hosting?
To connect a domain to web hosting, you’ll need to update your domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings to point to your web hosting provider’s nameservers. This allows your domain to properly link to your web hosting account. Many hosting providers offer guidance and support for this configuration.
Can I Change Web Hosting But Keep Domain Name?
Yes, you can change web hosting providers while keeping your domain name. You will need to transfer your website’s files and database to the new hosting server and update DNS settings to point to the new host. Many hosting providers offer migration assistance to simplify the transition for website owners.