With so many terms floating around the internet, stress levels can soar when you are a newbie to the world of websites, the internet and domains. Whilst there is no need for you to go out and get a Degree in everything technological, it is essential to familiarise yourself with some of the basics when it comes to getting started on the internet. In this post, we touch on the topic of the difference between a Domain and a Website, so that you are equipped with the basic knowledge that is necessary is setting up your first website.
What Is A Website?
First and foremost, let is delve deeper into what a website actually is. A website is a collection of web pages that exist on the world wide web that lives on a certain domain name. Websites are, for lack of better words, a living entity.
A website is based upon the relationship between your site;s files, your web hosting service and your domain name. Should any one of these elements in the perfect trifecta fail to work, your website will fail to display. Additionally, the bulk of your website is comprised of web pages – documents that are written in a variety of web languages, ranging from HTML, CSS, or some form of JavaScript. These web languages serve as instructions to your web browser for how your website will actually display to viewers.
What Is A Domain?
When someone wants to access your website, they need to type in your domain name. Whether it is Oranges.com or Pears.com, that is your domain name that people know you by. Similarly, computers also communicate via something called an IP address. Should you type in the IP address that is associated with your domain name, you will end up landing on the exact same result as you would if you were to type your domain into your web browser.
Realistically, no one is going to recall a mumbo jumbo string of numbers, so your domain serves as the most user friendly version of your IP address – one that visitors can easily remember to access your website.
There are two elements when it comes to domain names – the TLD and your actual domain name. The TLD is the part of the domain name that follows the bulk of your domain. For example, in the domain name welovechocolatefudge.com, .com is the TLD. When choosing your domain you will notice that there are a number of top-level domains available. All of these have and encompass different connotations, so make sure you choose wisely.
How A Website And Domain Works Together
As you can see from all that has been mentioned above, your website and your domain and intricately tied. A website requires both these elements, along with a good web host – this trifecta is what embodies a fantastic website. Your domain name points to your web server where all of your files are hosted, whilst those very same files are generated when a user types your domain into their browser to view your website. Once you understand this basic yet fundamental concept, you’re all set to go!
