In the world of web development, there are various technical terms that can sometimes be confusing for beginners. One such term is the domain name.
Many people often wonder if a domain name is the same as a web server name. Let’s dive into this topic and understand the difference between the two.
What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the unique address that identifies a website on the internet. It serves as an easy-to-remember label that helps users find and access websites without needing to remember long strings of numbers known as IP addresses.
Example: www.example.com
What is a Web Server Name?
A web server name, on the other hand, refers to the actual physical or virtual server where website files are stored and served to users upon request. It is responsible for hosting websites and delivering their content to web browsers.
Example: Apache, Nginx, Microsoft IIS
The Relationship Between Domain Names and Web Server Names
While domain names and web server names are distinct entities, they work together to enable website accessibility. When a user types a domain name into a web browser, it sends a request to the appropriate web server associated with that domain.
- The user’s computer contacts their Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) DNS (Domain Name System) server to resolve the domain name into an IP address.
- The DNS server returns the IP address associated with the requested domain.
- The user’s computer then sends a request for content to the web server associated with that IP address.
- The web server processes the request and delivers the requested content back to the user’s browser.
Therefore, domain names and web server names are interconnected in the process of accessing websites, but they serve different purposes.
Conclusion
To summarize, a domain name is the unique address that identifies a website on the internet, while a web server name refers to the physical or virtual server responsible for hosting and delivering website content. Understanding this distinction is important for anyone involved in web development or administration.
Remember: The domain name is like the street address of a house, while the web server name is like the actual house where all the website files and content reside.
By grasping this concept, you will have a clearer understanding of how websites are accessed and how different components work together to make it happen.