Shared Hosting

An additional domain refers to an additional website that can be hosted on the same web hosting account as the main website. This allows the user to manage and maintain multiple websites under the same account.

An additional container refers to an additional virtual environment isolated from the main server in which an application can be launched and run. In the context of containerization (e.g. Docker containers), this can be a new instance of an application that runs in a separate container.

Therefore, the difference between an additional domain and an additional container is that an additional domain is associated with the web hosting account and represents an additional website, while an additional container usually refers to an isolated virtual environment with its own resources where an additional application can be launched and run.

A container is a standardized software package that includes everything needed to run an application, such as code, a runtime environment, system tools, libraries, and settings. These containers are based on Docker technology, which provides a lightweight and portable way to package and deliver applications. Unlike virtual machines, containers share an operating system with the host, making them lighter and faster.

Containers and shared hosting are two different concepts and architectures for hosting websites and applications. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Isolation and Environment:

   • Containers: Use containerization, which provides a high degree of isolation between different applications and their dependencies. Each container has its own file system, processes, and network configuration.

   • Shared Hosting: In this type of hosting, multiple websites share the same physical server and resources. This can sometimes lead to security and performance issues, as resources are shared between different users.

2. Resource Usage:

   • Containers: Use light virtualization and share the operating system with the host, while providing application isolation.

   • Shared Hosting: Resources such as CPU, memory, and storage space are shared between all websites on a single server. If one site uses too many resources, it can affect the performance of the others.

3. Flexibility and Scalability:

   • Containers: Enable easy scaling and deployment of applications, as well as the use of orchestration systems such as Kubernetes to automate processes.

   • Shared Hosting: Typically provides limited scalability and is not as flexible as containerization.

4. Configuration Management:

   • Containers: Container configuration is managed through Dockerfile and similar declarative tools. This process makes deploying and updating applications easier and more repeatable.

   • Shared Hosting: Typically uses control panels such as cPanel or Plesk, which provide an interface for managing hosting accounts, but do not always provide the same flexibility as container configuration.

The choice between containers and shared hosting depends on the specific requirements of your application or website, as well as your desires for flexibility, isolation, and resource management. Containers are typically preferred for larger, more complex projects, while shared hosting may be better suited for smaller, more one-sided websites.

Yes, containers are highly suitable for use in a cloud environment. Cloud services provide integration and infrastructure that support the development, distribution, and management of containerized applications. Some of the main advantages and scenarios for using containers in a cloud environment are:

1. Easy scaling: Cloud services provide opportunities for easy scaling of containerized applications. Using orchestrators like Kubernetes, you can flexibly manage the number of running containers depending on the current workload.

2. Resource management: Cloud platforms allow for easy resource management for containers, including selecting virtual machines with specific resources, such as CPU and memory.

3. Deployment automation: Tools like Docker and Kubernetes, combined with cloud services, provide opportunities to automate the deployment, updates, and scaling of applications.

4. Versatile cloud placements: Containers can be used in any cloud environment, whether it is a public cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), a private cloud, or a hybrid cloud architecture.

5. Portability: Containers are portable and can be run across different cloud environments without significant changes. This ensures consistency when moving applications between different cloud platforms.

6. Dependency Management: Containers include all the dependencies and settings required to run the application. This makes it easier to manage dependencies and ensures that the application works the same way across different cloud environments.

Using containers in the cloud has become a standard practice because it provides flexibility, ease of management, and efficient use of resources.

Depending on the plan you choose, you get access to a certain number of containers that you can configure to your requirements. Each container can be configured to meet your application's requirements, such as the PHP version it runs on, Redis object caching, ModSecurity rules, SSH access, and more.