Our readers frequently ask us to explain the distinction between a domain name and web hosting. Many beginners are unaware that these are two distinct concepts.
What exactly is a domain name?

A domain name is the address of your website that visitors type into their browser’s URL bar to visit.

To put it another way, if your website were a house, your domain name would be its address.
Web hosting is the location where all of your website’s files are stored. It is similar to your website’s actual residence.

If your domain name is the address of your house, then web hosting is the actual house to which that address points.

Web hosting is required for all websites on the internet.

When someone enters your domain name into a browser, it is translated into the IP address of the computer at your hosting company.

This computer stores your website’s files and sends them to the users’ browsers.

Web hosting companies specialize in the storage and delivery of websites. Customers can choose from a variety of hosting plans. To learn more about choosing the right hosting for your website, read our article on WordPress hosting.

What is the relationship between domain names and web hosting?
Domain names and web hosting are not the same thing. They do, however, collaborate to make websites possible.

A domain name system is essentially a massive address book that is constantly updated. Each domain contains the address of the web hosting service that stores the website’s files.

People cannot find your website without domain names, and you cannot build a website without web hosting.
What do I require to create a website? Do I need a domain name or web hosting?
A domain name and a web hosting account are required to create a website.

Purchasing a domain name only grants you the right to use that domain name for a limited time (usually one year).

Web hosting is required to store the files on your website. You must update your domain name settings and point it to your hosting service provider once you have obtained hosting.
Do I have to buy them all at once? Can I get them separately?
You can purchase a domain name and web hosting from two separate companies. In that case, you must point your domain name to your hosting provider by editing its DNS settings.

If, on the other hand, you get your domain name and web hosting from the same company, you won’t have to change your domain settings.