Not all web hosts are the same. Some will allow you to FTP your files up to your site and send basic email, using a CGI form, but that is it. If all you want is a basic website, then that should be fine for you. But, if plan on expanding in any direction in the future, then you should start doing research into PHP website hosting.
PHP is a website programming language, one that runs behind the scenes of almost every commercial website you see online. It is used to handle content, deliver feeds, send and receive email, and even operate shopping carts. Without access to PHP, you will never be able to grow your website.
PHP website hosting does change from provider to provider. Some hosts will allow you to work on the server and make intricate changes to your coding while others will not. Some will allow you to alter certain files (that you need to change to make programs work), while others will expect you to change your programs to work with their system.
The more access you can get to the “back room” of your web host, the better you will be if you are using PHP website hosting. This doesn’t mean that you have to be a techno-geek, but it does mean that you will need to understand at least the basics of programming (or hire someone else that does!). Some of the most popular additions to websites – article submission services, databases, rotating content, functional links to outside sources, and shopping carts – all rely on PHP and without the ability to tweak that source code, you might be limited in the programs you can use.
When you are choosing a provider, also make sure that you choose one that provides great customer support, as PHP can be somewhat complicated to even the most qualified programmer.
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