In the digital world, we often come across the terms hosting and domain. These two elements are essential for running a website, but they serve different functions. If you are planning to create a website, it is important to understand their differences and how they work together.

What is a domain?

A domain is a unique address for your website, which users type into their browser (e.g., mybusiness.com). Every domain consists of two main parts:

• Second-Level Domain (SLD) – for example, mybusiness
• Top-Level Domain (TLD) – such as .com, .org, .net

A domain acts as a memorable address, replacing a complex IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) that computers use to locate a website.

What is web hosting?

Hosting (or web hosting) is a service that provides storage space on a server for your website’s files. It ensures that your website is accessible on the internet 24/7.

There are different types of hosting:

• Shared hosting – multiple websites share the same server, ideal for small websites
• VPS (Virtual private server) – partially dedicated resources, offering better performance than shared hosting
• Dedicated server – an entire server is allocated to a single website, suitable for large projects
• Cloud hosting – a flexible solution that adjusts resources based on website traffic

How are domains and hosting connected?

To run a website, you need both a domain and hosting. The domain is the address, while hosting is the storage space where website data is kept. When a user enters a domain into a browser, the DNS (Domain Name System) translates the domain into the server’s IP address, directing the user to the website files stored on that server.

Where and how to get a domain and hosting?

Domains can be registered through domain registrars such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Hosting is provided by specialized companies, which often offer bundled packages that include both domain registration and web hosting.

When choosing a hosting provider, consider:

• Storage capacity – depending on the website’s size
• Uptime guarantee – ideally 99.9% or higher
• Technology support – PHP, MySQL, SSL certificate availability
• Customer support – quick problem resolution

Domain = Website address (e.g., mybusiness.com)
Hosting = Storage space for website files
Both are essential – the domain directs users to the server where your website is hosted.

If you are planning to launch a website, it is crucial to select the right domain and hosting to ensure fast, secure, and reliable performance.