Is it mandatory to use web hosting? Or can I host using my domain itself? If so, how can I upload my site to my domain?

It really depends on what end results you're going for, James.

If you just want to learn web development, you can set up a web server on your own computer and connect to it. Many web developers use some form of local development environment when they're working on a project.

However, if you want to let the public access your website, I'd really recommend going with a web hosting company. Most ISPs have something in their terms of use about not running a web server over your home internet connection. And you really don't want the public connecting to your own personal computer. That's just inviting hackers to screw your life up, not to mention identify theft issues.

Oh wow thank you very much, Roy. Every day I'm learning more and more. That's very helpful! My last question if you don't mind... when I purchase a web host... can I use the web host to host multiple websites. I'm unclear on this. For example if I purchase www.example.com and www.example.xyz domains, can I use one web host to host both domains? Thank you so much for your time! I really appreciate it.

Thanks James! I'll check that out.

It depends on the plan you sign up for. Some web hosting companies offer a cheap entry level plan that lets you just host one website and then offer an upgraded plan for multiple websites.

1and1.com offers a very cheap entry level plan with unlimited websites. Check out the Unlimited plan (on the left). It's enough to get you started with multiple sites.

Two quick things I've learned about web hosting ...

(1) Don't register your domain name through the web hosting company. Register it yourself through a domain registrar. I personally use NameCheap.

The reason you want to use a domain name registrar is because you control your domain name.

Back in the old days, I ran into an unscrupulous web hosting company that offered a free domain name. The problem was that they registered your domain name under their company, so they would hold your domain name ransom to keep you from ever switching web hosting companies.

I don't think this is as big of an issue these days, but I've never tested it out again.

(2) Unlimited doesn't really mean unlimited. It feels like unlimited for most people because they don't really use a lot of resources. But if you managed to create a very popular website that started getting hundreds of thousands of hits a day, the web hosting company would let you know you needed to move it to a dedicated server.

It's nothing to worry about. The chances are very low you'll ever get near that kind of limit.

Thank you for all of the valuable insight gentlemen! All so helpful!