What is the difference between a domain name and web hosting?

A domain name and web hosting are two essential components of creating a website, but they serve different purposes.

A domain name is the unique web address (URL) that users type into their browsers to access your website, such as www.example.com. It serves as an identifier for your website and makes it easy for users to find and remember your site. Domain names must be registered with a domain registrar, and the registration must be renewed periodically to maintain ownership.

Web hosting, on the other hand, is a service that provides the storage space and resources needed for your website files to be stored and served to visitors. A web hosting provider rents out server space to store your website's files, including HTML, CSS, images, and scripts. When users access your website using your domain name, the hosting server delivers the necessary files to their browser, allowing the website to be displayed.

In short, a domain name is like the address of your online property, while web hosting is the actual land or space where your website's files are stored and served.