How to Point Domain to Hosting Server – A Beginner’s Guide for Dev

As a Dev, you probably know how crucial it is to have a website that runs smoothly. One of the most important steps in setting up your website is pointing your domain to your hosting server. If you’re new to this process, don’t worry; we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of pointing your domain to your hosting server, so you can get your website up and running in no time.

Step 1: Choose a Hosting Provider

The first step in pointing your domain to your hosting server is to choose a hosting provider. There are many hosting providers out there, but we recommend doing some research to find one that fits your website’s specific needs. Once you have chosen a provider, sign up for a hosting plan and set up your account.

It’s important to note that some hosting providers offer domain registration services as well. If you haven’t purchased a domain yet, consider registering it through your hosting provider to simplify the process.

Hosting Provider Checklist

Factors to Consider	Our Recommendation
Reliability and Uptime Guarantee	99.9% uptime guarantee or higher
Control Panel	cPanel or Plesk
Customer Support	24/7 support via phone, email, or chat
Server Location	Choose a server closest to your target audience
Price	Compare prices and choose the best deal for your budget

Step 2: Update Your DNS Records

After you’ve signed up for a hosting plan and set up your account, you’ll need to update your domain’s DNS records to point to your hosting server. DNS (Domain Name System) is essentially the phonebook of the internet, translating domain names into IP addresses.

There are two ways to update your DNS records:

Option 1: Change Name Servers

If you registered your domain through a separate domain registrar (not your hosting provider), you’ll need to change your domain’s name servers to your hosting provider’s name servers. Name servers are responsible for translating your domain name into an IP address.

To change your name servers, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your domain registrar’s account.
2. Find the option to update your domain’s name servers.
3. Replace the existing name servers with your hosting provider’s name servers.
4. Save the changes and allow 24-48 hours for the DNS to propagate (update globally).

Option 2: Edit DNS Records

If you registered your domain through your hosting provider, you may be able to update your DNS records directly within your hosting account.

To edit your DNS records, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Find the option to edit your DNS records.
3. Add or edit the necessary records to point to your hosting server’s IP address.
4. Save the changes and allow 24-48 hours for the DNS to propagate (update globally).

Step 3: Wait for DNS to Propagate

After you’ve updated your DNS records, it’s important to wait for the changes to propagate (update globally). DNS propagation can take up to 24-48 hours to complete, so be patient during this process.

While you’re waiting for DNS propagation to complete, you can start setting up your website on your hosting server. Once DNS propagation is complete, your domain will be pointing to your hosting server, and your website will be accessible to the world.

FAQs

Q: How long does DNS propagation take?

A: DNS propagation can take up to 24-48 hours to complete, although it’s usually much faster. During this time, some visitors may still see your old website or experience errors, so it’s important to be patient.

Q: What should I do if DNS propagation takes longer than expected?

A: If DNS propagation takes longer than expected, double-check your DNS records and make sure they’re correct. You can also contact your hosting provider or domain registrar for assistance.

Q: Can I point multiple domains to the same hosting server?

A: Yes, you can point multiple domains to the same hosting server. Simply update the DNS records for each domain to point to the same hosting server’s IP address.

Q: Can I change hosting providers after pointing my domain to my hosting server?

A: Yes, you can change hosting providers at any time. Simply update your DNS records to point to your new hosting provider’s name servers or IP address.

Q: What if I don’t want to use my hosting provider’s name servers?

A: If you don’t want to use your hosting provider’s name servers, you can create custom DNS records within your hosting account to point to your hosting server’s IP address.

Conclusion

Pointing your domain to your hosting server may seem intimidating at first, but it’s a relatively straightforward process once you know what steps to follow. By choosing a reliable hosting provider, updating your DNS records correctly, and being patient during DNS propagation, you can get your website up and running quickly and smoothly. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider or domain registrar for help.