You probably visit so many websites every day, but have you ever wondered how a website works? What are the elements that make it running? If you are eager to know about it or planning to create a new website, this blog post is surely going to help you out. So stick to it till it ends.
What is Website?
In the simplest term, a website is a collection of files or pages on the hard drive of a web server that can be accessed by the public. All the different elements of a website is linked together to form a larger, structured document. Think of it as a book having numerous individual pages. A website can be made up of a single page or it could have thousands of pages. Each page has its own text and images. All Web pages are then kept in a folder, which is stored on a web host server. Now let’s find out how does it work.
How a Website Works?
Websites are really not that much complicated. They are bunch of files just like you have in your home and computer. However, it is true that to create a good website you need to give it time, money and all the talent you have.
Website are written in HTML codes called Hypertext Markup Language. You can think of files that make up your site as jigsaw puzzle pieces and HTML code as the instructions that arrange all these pieces. When you use the internet you require something to decode the HTML and turn it in a website that you can easily read use. And that is where you web browser comes in.
A browser is an application that allows users to interact with different information available on the internet. Your browser fastens all the code and files together and showcases a website that you can easily interact with. Some of the most common browsers include: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.
Where are Websites Stored?
Just like pictures, music files on your desktop, a website also takes up space. The codes and files that make up a website also need a place to be stored. Web hosting providers offer space for website data in their servers. Usually, these servers are powerful computers.
In the market, there are different types of hosting services available which you can opt according the needs of your site. There are numerous hosting providers in the market that provide a wide range of hosting services such as Shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, etc.
How Does a Website Get from a Server to Your Computer?
To access the world wide web, you open your browser and type the address (domain name) of the website you want to visit. As soon as you hit the ‘Enter’ button, your computer system goes online to search the server where that particular website has been kept. It happens due to the domain name system (DNS).
You can think of it as the phonebook of the internet. A browser interacts via internet protocol address and DNS translates domain names to IP addresses. It helps browsers in loading the internet resources. Let’s understand how it works in easy steps:
- You log onto your ISP (internet service provide) to use the internet.
- You access a web browser and type a domain name into the address bar.
- Then your computer asks for the ISP’s DNS servers for the specific IP address.
- As soon as the DNS server finds that specific IP address DNS server responds with the appropriate IP address and your computer then gives this address to the browser.
- After that your browser opens a connection to the server using the IP address provided and opens up the page from the website requested.
- Your browser shows the requested page on your screen.
Hopefully, now you are aware of how a website works. Now let’s find out how you can create your own?
Easy Steps for Creating Your First Website
Choose a Domain Name
Before you start creating a website, decide on what the name of your site will be. Try to keep it simple, easy to type and remember. Make sure it is representing the main topic of their website. There are many tools available that can help you find the relevant domain names such as Lean domain Search, Nameboy, etc. There are many domain name registrars from where you can buy a domain name such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.
Choose a Hosting Service
After deciding on domain name, you need to choose a hosting service. Always choose a hosting provider that offers a good customer support, security uptime and features your website needs. Bluehost, Hostinger, SiteGround, InMotion are some of the leading hosting providers available.
Connect Your Domain Name to Your Web host
To connect your domain name with your host, you will need to ask your web host for DNS or server name and plug it into your domain name registrar account.
Install WordPress
There are many other ways to build a website like you can go for web based website builder, hire a developer who can manually code your site, and more.
WordPress is a good option. According to W3Tech, WordPress CMS has been used by 33.2% of all website. The reasons are, it is free to download, install and use. Moreover, its user-friendliness makes it convenient for newbies as well.
Depending on your hosting provider, they may provide you one-click option to install WordPress site, straight from their control panel. Otherwise, you can go for Famous 5-minute install.
Choose a Theme
WordPress supports tons of free and paid themes. Although many of the free themes offer adequate functionality yet if you want your website to look more professional you can go for premium themes. Premium themes give more flexibility and customization.
Configure Your Website
Set up navigation of your website and make it easy for your audience. Organize your website and important areas of your site to provide additional clarity. Install some plugins that you find important of your site. WPForms Litem Yoast SEO, W3 Total Cache, JetPax are a few plugins that you may like to install on your website.
Add Content
Now comes the fun part. Add the relevant content on your website, publish it and share it with your audience.
Final Words
That’s all you need to create your own website with WordPress. Hopefully, this blog gave you adequate information on how a website works and how you can create your own website.
