What is shared hosting and when to use it?
What is Hosting?
Hosting (or web hosting) is a service that allows you to store the files, data, and information of a website on a server connected to the internet, so that anyone can access it from their browser. It's like renting a space in a "digital building" where your page lives and is available 24 hours a day. Without hosting, your site could not be online.
Imagine renting an apartment in a building. Although you have your private space, you share things like water, electricity, and the elevator with other tenants. Shared hosting works in a very similar way: you share a server with other websites.
It is one of the most popular and economical options for hosting web pages, especially for those who are just starting out in the digital world. But, like everything, it has its advantages and limitations.
How does shared hosting work?
On a shared hosting server, many websites are hosted together in the same physical space. They all use the same resources, such as:
- Processor (CPU): the server's brain.
- RAM memory: to handle visitor requests.
- Storage: to store site files and data.
For example, if one of the sites on the server has an unexpected increase in visits, it could consume more resources, affecting the others.
Who is shared hosting for?
Shared hosting is ideal for:
- Small businesses or entrepreneurs: If you have an informational page, a personal blog, or a small online store.
- Projects with little traffic: Websites with less than 1,000 to 2,000 daily visits usually work without problems.
- Limited budget: It is the most economical option to have a presence on the internet.
How many average visits can it handle?
This depends on several factors, such as:
- Your site's optimization: A well-optimized site (light images, clean code) can handle more traffic.
- The resources of the shared server: Some plans offer more memory or processor than others.
In general, a basic shared hosting can handle between 1,000 and 3,000 daily visits without problems, as long as the site is not very heavy or has complex features.
When should you consider another option?
Shared hosting is not ideal if:
- You have a website with a lot of traffic or that grows quickly.
- You need advanced configurations or dedicated resources.
- You plan to use heavy applications or custom functions.
In those cases, you may need a VPS (Virtual Private Server) or even a dedicated server.
Advantages of shared hosting
- Affordable price: It is the cheapest option to start hosting.
- Easy to use: Ideal for beginners, with panels like cPanel to manage everything easily.
- Maintenance included: The provider takes care of updates, security, and more.
Disadvantages of shared hosting
- Shared performance: If another site on the server consumes a lot of resources, your page could become slow.
- Technical limitations: You cannot make advanced configurations.
- Less security: Sharing the server increases the risk of problems if another site is attacked.
Is shared hosting for you?
If you are just starting out and your site does not have massive traffic, yes, it is for you. It is an economical and simple way to have a presence on the internet. But if your page grows, you will have to consider more powerful options to ensure speed and stability.
Shared hosting is like a starting point in your digital adventure: simple, functional, and perfect for learning. Dare to try it!
