When looking at web host sites, you will see words like Perl, Apache, PHP, Python, WordPress and others that might throw you off if you are unfamiliar with what these words mean. These words are the names of the computer programming languages that are used to write applications or processes that render a web host’s services into functional software for you to use from your computer.
Do you need a UNIX or Windows Based Platform?
UNIX and Windows are two main categories of computer platforms that will determine the language group that you can use and that will help you to decide on a web host. A related tip is that your version of Windows should be compatible with the web host as well. Examples of platform language use are that the UNIX platform uses Apache and the Windows platform uses Microsoft SQL Server.
When trying to choose a web host, you will need to find out which of these languages works on your computer before you can begin to compare and choose a web host and that is not all.
Languages and Website Features
A computer language is used to create executable files for functions and tools for use by both the web host client and web host service provider. Different languages are used to create a variety of features for your website although some of the languages from your platform’s language group may not work on your computer. This means you will need to find web host services that both offer the language services that created your desired website features and are compatible with your computer.
UNIX programming languages include CGI, mySQL database, Perl, PHP and SSI. Windows programming languages include Active Server Pages (ASP), Cold Fusion, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL database and Visual Basic Scripts.
MSQL and MSSQL
MSQL is used to create website functions that make your pages interactive for your online visitors. MSSQL is the Windows version of MSQL and can be used with Windows Server accounts. MSSQL shares the same capabilities as MSQL for a client’s web hosting needs.
MSQL allows you to gain user input and store information, which is necessary to the functionality of forms, shopping carts, mailing lists, forums, blogs, and other website functions. You should probably get a MSQL for its database abilities even if you do not need it at first because as time goes on, you may need more than one MSQL for your growing needs for information storage.
PHP is another programming and web-scripting language that is used to provide important website features such as mailing lists, newsletters, shopping carts, search functions and other tools.
Learn from the Experience of Others
Become familiar with your computer, its version and capabilities so that you know where to start when it is time to find the services of a web host. Research online about other people’s experiences in choosing a web host based on language and platform. When you understand which programming language is best for your situation, you can then pick and compare from a few web hosts that match the reputation, services, price and features that you want and have terms that are agreeable to you.
