Introduction
If you’re planning to launch a website, two terms you’ll hear frequently are domain name and web hosting. While they go hand-in-hand, they serve very different purposes. Let’s break down the difference — and show how they work together to bring your website online.
What Is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the human-readable address of your website. It’s what people type into their browser to visit your site — like www.yoursite.com.
Think of it like the address of your house: it tells people where to go, but it doesn’t hold anything itself.
What Is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is the service that stores all your website’s files, content, images, and code. These files live on a special computer called a server, which delivers your site to anyone who visits your domain.
Using the same house analogy: if the domain is your address, then hosting is the house itself — where your furniture and belongings live.
Key Differences Between Domain and Hosting
| Domain | Hosting |
|---|---|
| The website address (URL) | The storage space for your website |
| Purchased from domain registrars (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy) | Purchased from hosting providers (e.g., Bluehost, Hostinger) |
| Points visitors to your site | Serves your site’s files to those visitors |
| Unique per website | May host multiple sites or files |
How Do Domain and Hosting Work Together?
When someone types your domain (e.g., www.yoursite.com) into a browser:
- The browser checks the Domain Name System (DNS) to find out where the domain is pointing.
- The domain is connected to a hosting server via nameservers.
- The hosting server sends the website files to the browser.
- The visitor sees your website load on their screen — in just seconds.
This seamless process connects your domain to your hosting and delivers your content to the world.
Can You Buy Them Separately?
Yes! You can purchase a domain name from one provider and web hosting from another. All you need to do is update the DNS records or nameservers to link the domain to your host.
However, many beginners prefer buying both from the same company for simplicity.
Conclusion
Both domain names and hosting are essential building blocks of any website. Understanding their roles helps you make smarter decisions when launching your online business.
