What is web hosting and how does it work?

Website servers act as the digital face of businesses and individuals in the online world. And, to make a website accessible to users, a robust infrastructure if required – hosting provides that infrastructure.

Website hosting is an essential part of any online platform, enabling websites to be stored, managed and made available to others. Good hosting should be seamless and your site visitors will never think about it; bad hosting, on the other hand, could be disastrous.

In this article, we’ll explore what web hosting is, what sort of functions it includes, and the various types of hosting plans available.

Website hosting: Definition

Website hosting is the process of storing website files and making them accessible online.

It involves using servers – a sort of specialised computer – to host and serve website content. This is what allows users to access your site through a web browser.

In a nutshell, you should view your web hosting as a virtual storeroom where your website files, data and other elements are stored.

Web hosting functions

A website host will fulfil a range of roles. In the sections below, you can find out more about some of them.

On the other hand, if you have the information you need you may want to check out our best website hosting providers page.

If you want more info, the sections below are here for you. Click any of the options in the list to skip ahead.

Storing website files
Website accessibility
Data security
Domain name system management

Storing website files

Website host platforms provide storage space for all the files associated with your website. This can include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, videos and elements or widgets.

All of these files are stored on powerful servers that make sure visitors to your site get quick access and top performance.

Website accessibility

A web host service makes sure that your website is available all day, every day. This means that visitors can access your site whenever they want.

The hosting provider will ensure that servers are connected to a high-speed network with a reliable internet connection, meaning that you and your visitors will be able to access your site.

Data security

Web hosting providers also provide security systems and processes to protect your site’s data from unauthorised access, data breaches and cyber threats.

This can include tools such as firewalls, SSL certificates, regular backups and proactive monitoring to ensure your online environment stays safe.

Domain name system (DNS) management

Website hosting typically includes domain name system (DNS) management that allows you to link your domain to the IP address of your hosting server. Without this, users would not be able to access the site using the URL you have chosen.

Types of website hosting

There are several types of website hosting to be aware of. Which is suitable for your site will depend on what sorts of features you need.

Take a look at the sections below to work out which type of host is best for you.

Shared hosting
Virtual private server (VPS) hosting
Dedicated hosting
Cloud hosting

Click on any of the items above to skip ahead.

Shared hosting

With a shared hosting plan, your website will be stored alongside others on one server. This is a cost-effective option most suitable for small websites with lower levels of traffic.

With shared hosting, you need to be aware that other sites stored on the server could impact yours. If, for example, one of them were suddenly to receive a huge number of visitors, the performance of your site may suffer as a result. Likewise, if your own traffic begins to pick up pace, you may quickly run into issues yourself.

Virtual private server (VPS) hosting

Virtual private server (VPS) hosting offers you a virtual server environment where multiple websites are hosted on a single physical server. However, each of these websites operates within its own private space, meaning that your site performance will not be affected by the performance of those you share with.

Dedicated hosting

With dedicated hosting, your website occupies an entire physical server on its own.

This option provides the highest level of performance, security and control as there is no chance of other sites interfering with your performance.

Dedicated website hosting is most suitable for large websites with high volumes of traffic, or for those with specialist needs that may be demanding.

Cloud hosting

Cloud hosting uses a network of connected servers to distribute resources and ensure high availability.

It offers a high level of scalability and flexibility, as well as being resilient. Cloud hosting is a good option for websites that are growing or for those with unpredictable traffic patterns.

If you want to know more about any how to get started with any of the options mentioned above, you may want to check out our how to set up website hosting page.

What is website hosting? Final thoughts

Website hosting is the backbone of any website. It facilitates storage, accessibility and security online.

A website host provides the infrastructure needed for any business or individual that’s running a website and helps users to access it too.

By understanding what a web host is, and knowing a bit more about how it knows, you can make a more informed decision when it comes to choosing a provider or plan for your website. Remember, choosing the right provider and plan is essential if you want to provide a seamless experience to your site visitors.

Bryn Glover

Bryn is the founder and editor of WebsiteJumpStart. He has worked in the digital field for over a decade and was editor for Startups.co.uk - the UK's leading small business website - and for NerdWallet UK before launching WebsiteJumpStart to help people and businesses get online with ease.

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