if you’re new to the world of hosting, when you initially log into the control panel and see the subdomain and addon domain options, it can be confusing. This article is written to explain the Addon domains & Subdomains and their uses. It will help you to know what needs to be done in order to meet your requirements.
Let’s discuss what is a domain name exactly;
It is a website address that the internet user enters into the browser bar URL. It is done when the user wants to open a particular website. Every site can be identified by its list of numbers that are unique. This is known as an IP address.
The computer uses a set of numeric to search and connect to a server where the site data is stored. Let’s take a look at an example below of what an IP address may look like;
- 63.237.66.1
These digits are amazing for computers. However, for humans in general, they are extremely hard to recollect in comparison to words. Words that are utilized to recognize entities that are online are called URLs or domains. This is similar to the IP addresses that are unique to every website.
Now instead of utilizing digits to go to a website, you just need to remember the website’s domain name. Enter the domain name into the URL bar of your browser like; google.com. And your desired website will open.
Domain names are a combination of numbers and letters. They are utilized in combination with multiple TLDs like .net, .com and more.
Before utilizing the domain name, you have to register it. Domain names are unique, and you will notice that two websites will never have an identical domain name. So if your visitor types www.exampledomain.com, they will reach your site and not someone else’s website.
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What is an Addon Domain?
This is a domain name that is additional, and it points to a folder of its own which is within the public_html. This reflects in your browser like a second site from the primary domain, as it has its unique content. With a domain of this type, you must register a new name prior to hosting it.
These domains are completely functional, and you can create them from your cPanel. An addon domain works just like having various hosting packages that share a similar cPanel.
It is just like the primary domain name that allows you to create forwarders, email addresses, etc. Here there isn’t an individual control panel, and that’s the only difference we see. It means that all the files of the addon domain will share the control panel of the primary domain.
What are the Benefits of an Addon Domain?
Many site owners utilize addon domains due to multiple reasons. The most common reason is; it is used to create various sites below multiple domains. They don’t need to register for multiple hosting accounts.
This is particularly useful when the user desires to operate or create a site that will have minimum traffic. And also when the user doesn’t want to use a dedicated hosting option. The features that addon domains offer are extremely convenient, helping the user save plenty of cash in the future.
How to Create an Addon Domain?
We begin by adding the latest domain as Addon Domain
- You must log in to the cPanel account; if you prefer fast access, you can utilize the shortcuts for cPanel.
- Go to the section Domains, and you will find the Menu for addon domains: used for Basic Themes – cPanel.
- Type the required information into the section that reads – Create Addon Domain.
- Finally, click on Add domain.
That’s it; you have successfully created an addon domain!
Let’s look at subdomains;
What is a Subdomain?
This is a small part of a subset of a vast domain. A full domain name will always have a TLD (Top-Level Domain) as well as an SLD (Second-Level Domain).
TLD occurs after the final dot of the respective domain name. Whereas, subdomain is a part of the registered domain and is additional. It allows a user to send the viewers to a web address that is different. Or it will enable them to point their visitors to directories or a particular IP address in their hosting account.
The user does not have to list a brand-new domain name. Subdomains are created by users in order to divide or organize various sections of the website. This makes it look like there are multiple websites.
What are the Benefits of a Subdomain?
A subdomain can be very beneficial and is used in various ways. However, it is commonly used for staging and testing environments. Developers very often utilize it to run tests safely, especially for new updates, themes and plugins.
Subdomains are also commonly used to;
- Create a forum, gallery, blog, etc. (blog.instance.com);
- Create an ecommerce store;
- Create a website as a smartphone version (m.instance.com);
- Create sites that are location specific (us.instance.com);
- Create a website to present a particular set of users (user.instance.com).
Always remember that the subdomain will not affect the SEO of the primary domain. This is an important reason why we suggest not utilizing subdomains for projects that are for a longer term.
How to Create a Subdomain?
- Begin by logging into the cPanel. Add all the details that your host has provided at the time of subscription.
- Navigate your way to the section of Domains and select Subdomains.
- Enter the new name of your subdomain that you would prefer in the given box.
- The drop-down box will have the parked domains or addon domain that you set up.
- If you wish to, you can enter the path of the specific root document of your domain. The system, by default, will select /public_html/SubdomainEntered. This can be changed if required.
- Unless you’re confident of what you’re doing, we suggest not making changes to the root document. If you change the root document, you may end up making the entire setup extremely confusing.
- Select Create. That’s it, and you’re all set.
Conclusion
Being the owner of the website, don’t hesitate to take advantage of any opportunities that can make your website better than before. Having said that, also try to implement all the knowledge of the addon domain & subdomain and their features. Remember that your host can always be contacted and sought for additional technical support if needed. You can also check our article on What is Caching and How does it Work?
That’s all for today’s article; we hope it has given you clarity on Addon domains and Subdomains. Do feel free to share your feedback and experience. Thanks.