Hosting vs Deployment: What’s the Difference?

Introduction

In the world of web development, hosting and deployment are two different concepts that are often confused. Although the two services are closely related and often go hand-in-hand, they are distinct and have different roles in the development process. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between hosting and deployment, and explain why understanding the two concepts is important for web developers.

What is Hosting?

Hosting is the process of making a website available on the internet. It involves renting space on a server, which is a computer that hosts websites, and setting up the technical infrastructure to ensure that the website is accessible 24/7. Hosting is a service that must be purchased from a hosting provider.

What is Deployment?

Deployment is the process of uploading the code, files, and content of a website to the hosting server. It involves moving the website files from the development environment to the production environment. Deployment is a process that is typically done manually by a web developer, or by using a deployment tool.

How are Hosting and Deployment Related?

Hosting and deployment are related because a website must be hosted in order for it to be deployed. After the hosting server is set up, the files, code, and content of the website must be uploaded to the server in order for it to be visible and accessible on the internet.

Why is it Important to Understand the Difference?

Understanding the difference between hosting and deployment is important for web developers because it helps them to understand the entire web development process. It also helps them to recognize which services they need to purchase and which tasks they need to perform in order to get a website up and running.

Conclusion

Hosting and deployment are two different concepts that are closely related and often confused. Hosting involves renting space on a server and setting up the technical infrastructure for a website, while deployment involves uploading the website files to the server. Understanding the differences between hosting and deployment is important for web developers to understand the entire web development process.