Do you sometimes wonder what the abbreviations stand for? We have compiled a list of common abbreviations and terms in hosting along with their meanings.
1. DNS
Meaning: Domain Name System
Description: DNS works as the phonebook of the internet. It translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses, which computers use to identify each other on the network.
2. FTP
Meaning: File Transfer Protocol
Description: FTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client (computer) and a server over a network. It is often used to upload, download, and manage files on websites.
3. HTTP
Meaning: Hypertext Transfer Protocol
Description: HTTP is a protocol used to transfer data over the internet. It is the foundation for data exchange on websites and is used to fetch web pages from servers to your browser.
4. HTTPS
Meaning: Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol
Description: HTTPS is an encrypted version of HTTP that protects data transfer between a user and a web server. It is used to secure websites and protect sensitive information such as login credentials and payment data.
5. SSL
Meaning: Secure Sockets Layer
Description: SSL is a standard technology for establishing an encrypted connection between a server and a browser. This ensures that all data transferred between them remains private. It is often used with HTTPS.
6. IP
Meaning: Internet Protocol
Description: IP is the primary protocol used to send data between computers on the internet. Each device connected to the internet has a unique IP address, which is used to identify and locate it on the network.
7. PHP
Meaning: Hypertext Preprocessor
Description: PHP is a programming language primarily used to develop dynamic websites and applications. It runs on the server and can generate dynamic content displayed in a browser.
8. SQL
Meaning: Structured Query Language
Description: SQL is a language used to manage and query data in databases. In hosting, it is used to store website data in the form of titles, texts, image paths, etc.
9. SSH
Meaning: Secure Shell
Description: SSH is a network protocol that provides a secure way to remotely access servers over an unsecured network. It is used to log into servers and execute commands or manage systems securely.
10. cPanel
Meaning: Control Panel
Description: cPanel is popular hosting software that allows users to manage their web hosting via a graphical user interface. It is used to manage domains, emails, databases, and more.
11. SMTP
Meaning: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
Description: SMTP is used to send emails from a client (e.g., an email program) to a server and between servers. It is the protocol used to transport emails across networks, including the internet.
12. IMAP
Meaning: Internet Message Access Protocol
Description: IMAP is used to retrieve emails from a mail server. Unlike POP3, IMAP synchronizes emails so that they can be accessed from multiple devices while remaining stored on the server.
13. POP3
Meaning: Post Office Protocol version 3
Description: POP3 is a protocol used to retrieve emails from a mail server to a local computer. When emails are retrieved with POP3, they are usually deleted from the server.
14. CMS
Meaning: Content Management System
Description: CMS is software used to create, manage, and modify digital content on websites. Popular examples are WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.