How to make a website

The process of creating a website is often portrayed as either overly simplistic or excessively complex, leaving many people unsure where to begin. In reality, the tools and approaches you choose depend heavily on the specific purpose of your website. The requirements for a simple business site with a few pages are vastly different from those needed for a small online shop, a large multilingual online magazine, an extensive international store, or a custom-built digital tool. This guide breaks down these concepts to provide a clear and practical understanding of what is required to create a website tailored to your goals.
When you access a website, you type an address such as example.com/folder/page into your browser. This address is called a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). A URL has two key parts: the domain name and the path. The domain name, like example.com, identifies the website and tells your browser which server to contact. The path, such as /folder/page, specifies the exact file or resource to retrieve from that website. Together, these parts guide your browser to the precise information you want to see.
All websites are hosted on computers known as servers. Accessing a website is essentially asking another computer, located far away, to send specific files to your browser. This is essentially what web hosting provides—a service where your website’s files are stored on a server and made accessible to users on the internet. Even when we talk about websites being in the cloud they are still physically stored on servers in data centers around the world.
Each server hosting a website has a unique identifier called an IP address, which is a series of numbers, such as 192.168.1.1,used to locate the server on the internet. Since these numbers are hard for humans to remember, domain names (like example.com) are utilized as user-friendly aliases for IP addresses. The Domain Name System (DNS) is a global directory that maps domain names to their corresponding IP addresses. When your browser requests a domain name, it asks the DNS the associated IP address, then it connects to the specified server and retrieves the file indicated by the path in the URL.
Hence, when you buy a domain name, you are essentially purchasing the exclusive right to use a unique, human-friendly alias for an IP address. This alias not only makes it significantly easier for people to access your website without remembering complex numbers but also serves as your website’s identity on the internet. A good domain name is essential for standing out and being easily recognized by users. Since domain names are unique, high-quality names are scarce and often in high demand, making some domain names expensive to acquire.
The server retrieves the requested file, which is often an HTML file, and sends it back to your browser. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is a text-based code that defines the content, structure, and metadata of a webpage. Even interactive and dynamic pages utilize HTML, although generated dynamically in the server using applications written in other programming languages, such as PHP, Node.js, Python, etc.
The format and the visual design of a webpage are specified using a language called CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), that controls aspects like colors, fonts, and responsiveness. Interactive features and in-browser computations, processed in the device of the user, are written in JavaScript, or programmed in a compiled application in a format called WebAssembly.
Most websites that primarily present information without requiring unique or complex functionality are created using pre-designed solutions rather than being written from scratch. They use premade applications, installed in the server hosting the website, that automatically generate the necessary HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WebAssembly files. These applications can often be fine-tuned to meet specific requirements of the site.
These applications are usually Content Management Systems (CMS), which allow users to create and manage content easily without requiring deep technical knowledge. Users can simply add or edit the content of each page through an intuitive interface, avoiding the need to directly handle the underlying code. Examples include WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Typo3, TikiWiki, and others. Each system will demand different level of technical knowledge and maintenance, and will be adequate for different purposes.
Other types of applications are Ecommerce platforms for making online shops (WordPress with Woocommerce, OpenCart, PrestaShop, Magento, etc.), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems (SuiteCRM, EspoCRM, X2CRM, etc.), project management tools (Kanboard, Redmine, OpenProject, etc.), forums (phpBB, Simple Machines Forum, MyBB, etc.), and learning management systems (Moodle, Chamilo, Open eClass, etc.). These applications can usually be easily installed and updated automatically through tools provided by the web hosting service, such as Softaculous.
However, if you need a simple site, developed quickly and efficiently, requiring minimal maintenance, without learning the technicalities of complex applications or coding, a Website Builder is the ideal solution. Website Builders are perfect for common functionalities that meet the typical needs of small businesses, such as presenting a few pages about your business, showcasing a portfolio, setting up a small online shop, or adding an appointment scheduler. These tools automate the entire process. They only require you to provide basic inputs like text, images, or layout preferences.
Although a Website Builder seems to be the same as the aforementioned applications like CMSs or eCommerce platforms, they differ in their purpose, capacities, and the level of user involvement they require. Website Builders focus on maximum simplicity and ease, automating almost all technical tasks, without requiring any maintainance, any hosting management, any coding, etc. They are well-suited for small businesses or individuals who need a straightforward website with common functionalities and minimal effort. In contrast, applications, like CMSs and eCommerce platforms, are designed for users that require more advanced customization and capabilities. These applications provide greater control over every aspect of the website, from design and layout to complex functionalities. However, they also demand more technical knowledge and maintainance.
What do you really need to make a website?
At the core, all websites require two key components: a domain name to identify your site and a hosting provider to store and serve its content. But there are nuances to this that depend on the specific requirements of the website:
For Small and Simple Websites: A domain name and a website builder. If you need a basic site with simple functionalities and without the need for technical expertise, or time, a website builder is an excellent choice. Website builders usually include hosting as part of their service, making the process simple. You can configure and deploy your site in just minutes.
For More Complex Websites: A domain name, web hosting service, and an application. If your needs include hundreds of pages, a large online store, advanced customer management, or other specific features, you will need a hosting server and the most appropriate application. This can include a CMS or eCommerce platform, which might take several hours to a few days to configure and deploy.
For Highly Custom Websites: A domain name, some advanced web hosting service (like VPS, dedicated servers, or cloud hosting), and custom code. If you require unique functionality that cannot be achieved with existing applications, you will need to develop the site from scratch using programming languages and custom made algorithms. This approach is resource-intensive, requiring weeks to months to develop and deploy, and is only recommended for cases where no other solution can meet your needs.
As you can see, creating a website does not necessarily require you to become a developer or hire a full-time programmer. With the variety of tools and platforms available today, from website builders to CMSs and specialized applications, there are solutions tailored to different needs and skill levels, enabling almost anyone to create a functional and appealing website.