What is cPanel? In a nutshell, it’s a comprehensive tool that helps you manage your web hosting through a simple and very user-friendly dashboard. It allows you to access the most important features and create hosting configurations that would otherwise require advanced technical knowledge. In short, this is a really important helping hand if you want to get serious about the world of websites but don’t want to get another degree.
Many popular web hosts use cPanel, so understanding what it is and how it works will help you get more performance out of your web hosting. But let’s go step by step.
Table of contents:
What is cPanel and why do you need it?
Similar to WordPress, cPanel, is a user interface that makes a complicated system more manageable for developers and average users. Generally, we can define cPanel as a main control panel for hosting accounts. For example, Bluehost, HostGator, and GoDaddy, which are some of the most famous ones worldwide, all use cPanel interface.
In a nutshell, cPanel provides the navigation, buttons, links, and graphics needed to make hosting and file management more “human” and understandable.
Some of the options you can manage from cPanel are:
- Organization of website files.
- Installing software, such as installing WordPress.
- Creating and managing email accounts.
- Creating and managing domains and subdomains.
- Database search, backup and management.
- User management.
- Password and security.
Without the help of cPanel, only those with advanced technical knowledge would be able to manage a server or Web site with respect to many of these points.
Overall, cPanel bridges the gap between complexity and ease of use. It’s still a bit intimidating for many people who are just starting to come to terms with hosting. However, it’s one of the best solutions for managing a site’s files without having to hire a developer.
What is cPanel? The main features and sections
The cPanel dashboard will look different depending on the host. This is due to the host’s branding and the way the company has decided to organize cPanel. However, the main sections and features of cPanel remain the same across all hosts that use it.
Let’s take a look at some of the main features.
Installing WordPress from cPanel
Most hosts offer a software installation tool in cPanel that simplifies the installation of WordPress (or other open source content management systems like Drupal or Joomla). You can usually find the WordPress installation tool in a section called “Scripts” or “App installers”.
Every host is different, but the WordPress installation process is generally the same. Follow the steps on the screen by entering and creating your WordPress login information. Next, you’ll be shown a URL for direct access to the WordPress dashboard.
Domain management on cPanel
cPanel also allows you to manage all the domains and subdomains associated with your hosting account.
Go to the Domains section and you can manage everything from additional domains to redirects.
Email Management in cPanel
The cPanel dashboard includes an Email section to add and maintain business or professional email addresses.
cPanel File Management
The Files section of cPanel involves all the website files that make your website work. WordPress files include folders for themes, plug-ins, media, and more.
The cPanel dashboard has the functionality to view these files, back them up, and edit them altogether.
Database management in cPanel
Most users never touch their databases, but it’s still a good idea to know where they are in case you need to edit something or if you need to do a database transfer. In its most basic form, a website database stores data. The data could be anything from users to eCommerce product information. All of this is recorded in a large list, organizing the data so that your website can access it at any time. The cPanel dashboard is designed to make website hosting more desirable for the average user. It can be useful for adding your emails, making backups, and checking files.
That said, don’t let it scare you: cPanel will definitely become your right-hand man in the web world.
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