Highlights
- When you enter a website’s address in a browser, the browser connects to the website’s server, and then the website displays on your screen. But, is it that simple? Well, we are going to discuss how the website works in detail!
- Not just a basic explanation, you will get to know the complete process from beginning to end for the working of a website with an infographic.
Well, the most common definition of a website is ‘its a collection of webpages’. But what are web pages? Do you think it’s too technical knowledge? Well, don’t worry, here we have simplified the whole process for your better understanding. So adjust your seat, make it comfortable and here we go…
What is a website?
A website is like a book. And its pages are called ‘webpages’. Just like different books may have different numbers of pages, different websites also have different numbers of web pages. A website can have one or one thousand web pages. And just like different pages may have different text or pictures, different web pages also may have different text or pictures or videos or something else.
Also Read: What is a Website Name?
What is a webpage?
A website is like a book. And its pages are called ‘webpages’. Just like different books may have different numbers of pages, different websites also have different numbers of web pages. A website can have one or one thousand web pages. And just like different pages may have different text or pictures, different web pages also may have different text or pictures or videos or something else.
Now, before we start understanding the whole process of website functioning, let me make you familiar with a few terms which we will use later in the process.
Also Read: How to find out when a webpage was created?
Web Host or Hosting Server
Every website that you see on the internet, exists on a physical computer somewhere. I know this might be quite shocking for those who had no idea about it, but it’s true. All the data of a website exists in physical computers. So, in order that a user can access a website anytime, it’s very necessary that these physical computers are always turned on with an active internet connection.
Now that’s not possible for us to store our website on our computer and having it always turned on with internet connection and it’s quite expensive too. That is why we hire a hosting service. A hosting service or company basically gives a place to your website to exist from where it can be accessed almost 24*7 and the hosting company charges an amount for it.
So, if the internet is a whole world, a web host or hosting server is basically the area where your website lives.
Domain Name: Now we know that every website lives somewhere. But where and how to find it? That is where the ‘domain name’ comes in. Every website has an address in a coded form known as an IP address. Now it’s not possible for us to remember the IP address of each website. So, a domain name is basically a name kept by the website owner which when entered into the search bar, redirects us to the website address.
For example, ‘amazon.com’ is the domain name for Amazon’s website. You have to register your domain name with a domain registrar and pay a significant amount to use that name.
DNS Server: DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS server actually converts the domain name entered by the user into the IP address of that site, so the machine can read it and it can direct you to the actual address of the website.
How does a website work?
The process is quite simple. Firstly, you enter a domain name or a website
address in the search bar. Then the browser passes the request to DNS Server. DNS server acts as an address directory. It converts the human-readable address to a machine-readable address i.e. the IP address of
the Website address to a machine-readable address i.e. the IP address of the website.
Then it passes the request to the main server or the server where your site is stored. Then the server provides the response to the browser and now you are able to access the website. The whole process takes hardly 1 or 2 seconds.
Also Read: How to Check the Response Time of a Website?
Summarizing
A website is a collection of web pages which store information in form of text, pictures, videos, animation, or any other form. A website needs a hosting server to host it or store its data. The domain name is basically the name of the website which helps a user to find the address of the website. And below is the whole process for the functioning of a site –
A user enters a domain name into the search bar of the browser.
The browser passes the request to the DNS Server which converts the domain name into the IP address of the site.
Then DNS Server passes the request to the main server where the website is stored.
And the main server now sends the response to the web browser or to the user.
The user is now able to view the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the basic components required for a website to work?
A website needs three main things: a domain name (your website address), hosting (where your website files are stored), and the website files themselves (like design and content). When someone visits your domain, these elements work together to show your website in their browser.
2. What is the role of a web server in a website?
A web server is like the storage and delivery system of your website. It keeps all your website files and sends them to users when they visit your site. Without a server, your website wouldn’t be accessible on the internet.
3. What is DNS, and how does it work in websites?
DNS (Domain Name System) works like a translator. When you type a domain name, DNS converts it to an IP address so the browser can find the correct server hosting the website. It all happens in seconds behind the scenes.
4. What is the difference between frontend and backend in a website?
Frontend & backend in web development are different in many ways. The frontend is everything you see on a website, like the design, layout, buttons, and images, while the backend is what runs behind the scenes, including server logic, databases, and processing. Both work together to make a website function smoothly.
5. What is a dynamic website vs a static website?
A static website shows the same content to every visitor and doesn’t change unless manually updated. A dynamic website, on the other hand, shows different content based on user actions. For example: Login dashboards or eCommerce websites.
6. Can a website work without a domain name?
Yes, a website can work without a domain name, but it will only be accessible through an IP address. Since IP addresses are hard to remember, domain names are used to make websites easy to access and user-friendly.
7. Why do websites need hosting?
Web hosting is where all your website data is stored. Without hosting, your website files wouldn’t exist online, and no one would be able to access your site. It basically keeps your website live and available 24/7.
8. How do I create my website?
You can create a website by choosing a domain name, buying hosting, and then building your site using tools like WordPress or a website builder. Many platforms make it easy, so you don’t always need coding knowledge to get started.
9. Can ChatGPT create a website?
ChatGPT can help you create a website by generating code, content, design ideas, and structure. However, you still need hosting and a platform to publish it. You have to think of it as a smart assistant that helps you build faster, not a complete hosting solution.
Also Read: How to Find Out the Owner of a Website Domain