When creating a website, you need two basic elements: a domain name and a web host. Both play a crucial role in the functioning and accessibility of the website. However, many people do not understand the difference between domain registrars and web hosts. In this article, we will explain in detail the differences between domain registrars and web hosts, as well as their roles and relationships in a website.
Domain Registrars
A domain registrar is a company that allows you to purchase and register a domain name. A domain name is the unique identifier of your website, for example, Google's domain name is google.com. When you register a domain name, you can choose to use different top-level domains, such as .com, .org, .net, etc. Domain registrars typically charge fees ranging from a few dollars to tens of dollars, depending on the chosen domain and registration period.
The responsibility of a domain registrar is to ensure that you own the chosen domain name and that no one else can use the same domain name. They are also responsible for updating your domain registration information, such as your contact information and domain servers. When you register a domain name, you need to provide some basic information, such as your name, email address, and contact number. This information is stored by the registrar in the WHOIS database, which is a public database that anyone can access to view your domain information.
Web Hosts
A web host is a company that provides a server to store your website files and make them accessible on the internet. Web hosts also typically charge fees depending on the size and traffic of your website. Web hosts also provide additional features such as email hosting and database management.
A web host is the foundation of your website, determining its speed and reliability. If your web host is slow, visitors to your website may choose to leave, and it can also impact your search engine ranking. Therefore, choosing a reliable web host is crucial. When choosing a web host, you need to consider factors such as reliability, speed, security, support, and price.
How Domain Registrars and Web Hosts Interact
Although domain registrars and web hosts are two different entities, they interact closely with each other in your website. When you register a domain name, you need to point it to the server of your web host. This is done by modifying the DNS records in the domain registration information. DNS records tell internet browsers which web host server to access when accessing your domain name.
Additionally, some web hosting companies also provide domain registration services. This makes it more convenient to purchase both domain names and web hosting, as they can be managed in the same place. If you choose this route, you can manage your domain name and web hosting in one place and not worry about configuring DNS records.
Conclusion
Before choosing a web host and domain registrar, you need to understand their roles in your website. A domain registrar is the owner of your website's unique identifier and ensures that your contact information and domain servers are up-to-date. A web host stores your website files and makes them accessible on the internet. Understanding their differences and how they interact can help you make better decisions.
In summary, domain registrars and web hosts are the basic elements of a website. Understanding their differences and relationships can help you manage your website better and ensure that it runs smoothly. Therefore, when preparing to create a website, take the time to understand domain registrars and web hosts and choose the service provider that is best for you.
