Difference Between Domain Name and Web Hosting

Jul 06, 2023

Readers frequently ask us to explain the difference between a domain name and web hosting in their correspondence. Many newcomers are unaware that these are two distinct concepts. We shall discuss the distinction between web hosting and a domain name in this beginner's guide.

The Domain Name

Your domain name is used as the address when someone inserts the URL for your website into their browser's address bar to view it. In other words, if your website were a house, the address would be your domain name. Let's now go on to the in-depth explanation. The Internet is essentially a huge network of computers that are connected via wires. To instantly identify each machine, a collection of numbers known as an IP Address is assigned to it. A series of digits and dots make up this IP address. IP addresses typically look like this:  66.249.66.1

These numbers are simple for computers to recognize and retain. However, it is impossible for people to memorize these numbers and use them to log into websites on the internet. A remedy for this problem was the invention of domain names. Domain names can contain words, which makes website addresses easy to recall. A web browser no longer requires a series of numbers to be entered in order to visit a website. Instead, you may select a domain name like thebeginner.com that is easy to remember.

Host a Website

All of your website's files are stored on a web server. It is comparable to your website's actual residence. If your domain name were the address of your home, then web hosting would be the real home that the address leads to. Every internet-based website requires web hosting. Your domain name is converted into the computer's IP address when someone types it into a browser to access your website. This device, which is frequently referred to as a hosting server, stores the files for your website and relays them to the users' web browsers.  

They specialize in maintaining and providing websites. They offer a range of hosting choices for their clients, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, managed WordPress hosting, cloud hosting, eCommerce hosting, and more. See our post on how to choose the best hosting for your website.  

What Connections Exist Between Domain Names and Hosting?

Web hosting and domain names are two distinct services. However, they collaborate to enable websites. An enormous, constantly updated address book is essentially how a domain name system works. Each domain name has the address of the web hosting provider where the website's files are kept. Website can’t be found without any domain name nor be created without web hosting. Because of this, a lot of reputable domain name registrars also provide web hosting services. 

Do I Need to Buy the Domain Name and Web Hosting Together or Can Buy Them Separately?

Domain names and web hosting are available from two separate businesses. To point your domain name towards your web hosting company in this situation, you will need to adjust the DNS settings on your domain name.

On the other hand, you won't need to modify domain name settings if you buy your domain name and web hosting from the same business. You can purchase individual domain names from reputable domain registrars like ServerSea Hosting.

Transferring My Domain Name to Another Company is Possible Or Not?

You certainly can. Usually, when you register a domain name, you get the right to use and transfer it wherever you choose.
Think about the following example: Your website hosting is provided by ServerSea Hosting, and you purchased your domain name through Godaddy.com. You now wish to move your domain name to ServerSea Hosting to make managing and renewing it easier. Doing that is straightforward. By carefully following the detailed, step-by-step instructions supplied by both businesses, you can transfer your domain name.

Can I Migrate My Website to Another Hosting Without Changing My Domain Name? 

Yes, you can also do that. The domain name is yours, and you may modify its settings to direct it to any web hosting provider. For instance, you might have bought your domain name and hosting from Godaddy and now want to switch to ServerSea Hosting. You can migrate your website by merely transferring files and data from one host to another. The last step is to modify your domain name's settings to direct traffic to your new web host.

The domain name you purchased from WordPress.com is another illustration (for additional details, check our guide on the variations between WordPress.com and WordPress.org). Eventually, you wish to migrate to a self-hosted WordPress.org website.

You must first create a WordPress hosting account. Then, you can move your website from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. The final step is to simply modify WordPress.com's domain name settings to point to your new WordPress hosting provider.

Can I Move My Website to a New Domain or Can I Change My Domain Name?

A domain name cannot be modified or changed once it has been registered. If your company has changed and your current domain name is no longer acceptable, you may want to move your website to a new domain. The next step is to purchase a new domain name and link it to your website. Our web hosting services ensure a smooth and hassle-free domain transfer process.