To understand how hosting works, you need to understand what a domain name is. Domain names are short-cuts for numeric IP addresses, and they are what allow people to access your website. Ultimately, a website has a number of files and depends on a server to store them.
Hosting providers make sure that these files can be accessed by everyone who wants to visit your website.
Domain names are short-cuts to numeric IP addresses
How Hosting Works. An IP address is a unique number that connects a computer to a web server. However, it is hard to memorize these numbers.
A domain name is more easily remembered than an IP address. It also makes it easier for browsers to find a particular web server.
They allow users to reach your website
Hosting is important if you want users to be able to reach your website.
When a visitor types your domain name into a web browser, the browser sends a request to your web server, where it locates your website’s IP address through a system called the domain name system.
The server processes the files on your website and displays them on the web browser. The entire process takes only a few seconds. The faster the page loads, the better.
They store your website’s files
Web hosting services store your website’s files on servers located around the world.
These servers are responsible for displaying your website to visitors and making it available on the World Wide Web. Website files can include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, text, image, and video files.
Your website files are stored on these servers and can be accessed by visitors by using the website’s URL.
You’ll need a secure connection to access and work with files on a web hosting service.
HTTPS (hypertext transfer protocol) is an encrypted version of HTTP that keeps your website files secure during transmission.
A secure connection is key to ensuring a successful website. Make sure the web hosting service you choose offers HTTPS as an option.
