When working with domains and hosting, you may come across different types of domains: Addon Domain, Sub Domain, Alias Domain, and Primary Domain. Below is a simple explanation of each.
1. Addon Domain
An Addon Domain is a domain that is added to your main hosting account but acts as a completely separate website.
- It has its own folder in your hosting account’s file manager.
- For example, if your main domain is
example.com, you can addexample2.comas an Addon Domain to host a different site on the same hosting account.
2. Sub Domain
A Sub Domain is essentially a division or branch of your main domain.
- If your main domain is
example.com, you can createblog.example.comorshop.example.comas sub domains. - Large websites often use sub domains to organize different sections (e.g.,
blog.example.comfor a blog).
3. Alias Domain (Parked Domain)
An Alias Domain (sometimes called a “Parked Domain”) is a domain that points to the content of another domain.
- For instance, if you have
example.comas your main site, you can addexample.netas an Alias Domain. When someone visitsexample.net, they’ll see the same website asexample.com. - This is useful if you want multiple domain names to show the same content.
4. Primary Domain
Your Primary Domain is the main domain you choose when you first set up your hosting account.
- The hosting system treats it as the “main” domain, under which other types of domains (like Addon, Sub, or Alias) can be managed.
- Usually, you cannot easily change the Primary Domain without contacting your hosting provider or doing extra configuration.
Key Points:
- Addon Domain: A separate site hosted under the same account, typically has its own folder.
- Sub Domain: A branch of your main domain, such as
sub.example.com. - Alias Domain: Points to another domain’s content, useful for multiple domains showing the same website.
- Primary Domain: The main domain of your hosting account, set at the time of purchase/creation.
All four domain types have their own uses, helping you organize multiple websites or direct multiple domain names. The Primary Domain remains the central point of your hosting account, while Addon, Sub, and Alias Domains each serve specific purposes to meet your website and branding needs.
