What is Domain and Hosting?
Discover the two cornerstones of building a website: Domain and Hosting. Learn the difference and how they work together.
The first two concepts anyone wanting to build a website encounters are Domain and Hosting. These terms are often confused, but their functions are completely different. In this guide, we explain them in their simplest form.
What is a Domain?
A Domain is your website's name and address on the internet. Users type this name into their browser to reach your site.
- Example: hostedfly.com
- Used instead of IP addresses.
- Should be memorable.
What is Hosting?
Hosting is the service of storing your site's files, images, and databases on a server connected to the internet.
- Runs 24/7 without interruption.
- Serves files to visitors.
- Performance affects site speed.
The Difference Between Domain and Hosting
A Simple Analogy:
Domain = The Address
The address required for visitors to find you. (e.g., 5 Flower Street)
Hosting = The House
The space where you live and keep your furniture (files).
| Feature | Domain Name | Web Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Role | The address of the website | The home (storage) of the website |
| Usage | Typed into the browser address bar | Runs in the background, serves files |
| Function | Directs traffic | Hosts content |
What are DNS and Nameservers?
DNS (Domain Name System) is the phonebook of the internet; it translates the domain name into the server's IP address. Nameservers (NS) are the records that determine which hosting provider or server your domain is pointed to (e.g., ns1.hostedfly.com).
How Do They Work Together?
To build a website, these two are inseparable. The process works as follows:
- Buy a Domain: Register a unique name suitable for your brand.
- Get a Hosting Account: Rent the space where you will upload your files.
- DNS Propagation: The domain is pointed to the hosting server (DNS settings).
- Live: When a visitor types the domain, the hosting server kicks in and the site loads.
Tip: This process is automatic at HostedFly. When you buy domain and hosting together, the connection is established automatically.
Which Hosting Type Should You Choose?
There are different types of hosting depending on the size of your project. Here are the two most common types:
1. Web Hosting
Ideal for general-purpose, small to medium-sized sites. Suitable for PHP-based sites, corporate pages, and personal blogs.
Web Hosting Packages2. WordPress Hosting
Specially optimized for WordPress, the world's most popular content management system (Caching, Security, Speed).
WordPress Hosting PackagesThe Relationship Between Hosting and SSL Certificates
One of the most important details to consider when buying hosting is the SSL Certificate. SSL encrypts the data traffic between your site and the visitor.
- Security Lock: Ensures the "Secure" label and lock icon appear in the browser's address bar.
- SEO Effect: Google ranks sites without an SSL certificate (HTTP) lower in search results.
- E-Commerce: SSL is mandatory if you are going to make sales via credit card.
A lifetime Free SSL certificate is automatically installed on all NVMe Web Hosting packages you buy from HostedFly. You do not pay any extra fees.
Frequently Asked: What is a Free Domain?
Some hosting companies cover the domain registration fee for you with annual hosting purchases. This is a great opportunity to reduce startup costs.
A free domain is usually gifted for 1 year alongside the hosting package. For more details, you can visit our Free Domain page.
Popular Domain Extensions and Their Meanings
Every domain has an extension (TLD - Top Level Domain). Choosing the right extension based on your project's goal is important for your prestige. Here are the most frequently used ones:
.COM
Derived from the word "Commercial". It is the world's most popular and trusted extension. This should always be your first choice.
.NET
Derived from the word "Network". It is generally preferred by technology companies, internet service providers, and web projects.
.ORG
Derived from the word "Organization". It is the standard for non-profit organizations, associations, and foundations.
.COM.TR
It is the local extension specific to Turkey. It acts as a great source of trust for Turkish companies. It can also be registered without documentation.
Recommendation for Beginners
If you are building a website for the first time, it's important not to get bogged down in technical details. Our recommendation as HostedFly:
- Domain: A short name with .com or .net extension.
- Hosting: A Web Hosting starter package with 100% NVMe SSD infrastructure.
- Infrastructure: Definitely a WordPress Hosting package if you use WordPress.
Hosting Is Not Just a Website: Professional Email
One of the biggest advantages of owning a Domain and Hosting is being able to create a corporate email address. Instead of free services like Gmail or Hotmail, you use emails that reflect your brand.
yourcompany@gmail.com
info@yourcompany.com
You can create as many email accounts as you wish from your hosting panel to leave a professional impression on your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Domain?
A Domain is your website's address on the internet (e.g., hostedfly.com). Users use this name instead of an IP address to reach your site.
What is Hosting?
Hosting is the service of storing your website's files (HTML, images, database) on a server connected to the internet, making them accessible 24/7.
Can I build a site without a Domain and Hosting?
No. The domain is your site's address, and hosting is its home. Both are needed for a website to go live.
Is special hosting necessary for WordPress?
Technically not mandatory, but highly recommended. WordPress Hosting is specifically optimized for the WordPress infrastructure in terms of performance and security.
Domain + Hosting Deals
Check out hosting packages for starter projects or reduce your costs by taking advantage of our free domain campaign.