Web Hosting

Introduction to Web Hosting

Web hosting is a service that allows individuals and organizations to make their websites accessible on the internet. Hosting providers store your website files on servers and ensure your site runs 24/7. Understanding web hosting is crucial for successfully launching and maintaining websites.

Types of Web Hosting

There are several hosting options available depending on your needs:

Shared Hosting: Multiple websites share a single server, making it affordable but with limited resources.
VPS Hosting: Virtual Private Server provides dedicated resources on a shared server, offering more control.
Dedicated Hosting: Complete server dedicated to your website for maximum performance.
Cloud Hosting: Websites are hosted on multiple servers for reliability and scalability.

Domain Setup

Your domain name is your website's address. Choosing a good domain is important for branding and SEO. Once purchased, it must be linked to your hosting provider via DNS settings.

// Example DNS entry
Type: A
Host: @
Points to: 123.45.67.89

Ensure your domain and hosting are correctly connected to make your website live.

Uploading Files

Once hosting is ready, upload your website files using:

cPanel File Manager
FTP/SFTP clients like FileZilla
Command-line tools for advanced users

// Example using FTP
ftp.connect("ftp.example.com");
ftp.login("username", "password");
ftp.upload("/local/path", "/remote/path");

Double-check file permissions and structure to avoid errors on your live site.

Security Tips

Web security protects your site from hackers, malware, and data loss:

Use strong passwords for hosting accounts.
Regularly back up website files and databases.
Enable SSL (HTTPS) for secure connections.
Keep scripts, CMS, and plugins up to date.

Conclusion

Understanding web hosting, domain setup, file management, and security is essential for any website owner. Proper hosting ensures your site is fast, reliable, and secure, providing a solid foundation for growth and online presence.