Table of Contents
Navigate to the "Hosting" section and click on "Subdomains."
A "Virtual Host" is essentially a configuration for a subdomain on the web server. It instructs the server on which websites are hosted and what content it should serve. While the configuration may include various custom settings, we have simplified the process by preconfiguring most of them. However, you still have the flexibility to specify a few settings, namely: "Hostname," "Path (optional)," "Maximum Execution Time," and "PHP Version" selector.
Configure Your Subdomain
To set up a generic website like www.hostney-tutorials.com, you will need to specify the "www" hostname. Here's how you can do it:
- Start by selecting the desired domain name from the domain name selector in the top navigation bar.
- Next, enter "www" in the hostname field. This will automatically set up the non-www (root/apex) version of your website.
- To forcefully update your DNS Zone, please mark the checkbox labeled "Force DNS Update***."
- Once you've entered the desired hostname, click on "Save" to save your settings and finalize the configuration.
*** Once you've entered the desired hostname, click on "Save" to save your settings and finalize the configuration.
Active Subdomain
After completing the configuration, it may take a moment for the webserver to update with the new settings. During this time, if your DNS is correctly pointing to the designated IP address, the server will generate an SSL certificate for your website and establish the necessary home directory where you can upload your website's content. It is important to note that the process of DNS propagation can vary and may take between 24 to 72 hours depending on the circumstances.
By default, the configuration will create the following path: "/home/username/domain_name/subdomain". This is the designated folder where you should upload your website's content. However, if you prefer a custom path, you have the option to specify it within the configuration settings.
It is generally advised to avoid making any changes to the "www" "Subdomain" setting unless you intentionally wish to deactivate your website.
PHP Selector
Hostney allows you to customize the PHP engine version for each subdomain, and you can modify this version at any time by editing the current configuration.
To do so, simply locate the desired "Subdomain," proceed to the "Action" tab, and click on "Edit." From there, you can select the desired PHP version and save your changes. Please note that it may take a moment for the configuration to update.
Changing the PHP version on your web server can potentially cause compatibility issues with your web application. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and thoroughly test your application after making the switch. Additionally, to ensure you see the most up-to-date content on your website, it's advisable to disable caching while making these changes.
Alternatively, if you want to view your live content without caching interfering, you can utilize the HUC (Hostney User Content) URL. The HUC URL ensures that your content is always served without caching, allowing you to see real-time updates and changes without any caching-related delays.
When experimenting with PHP version changes or dealing with caching concerns, it's important to take necessary precautions to avoid any disruptions to your website's functionality and performance. Testing in a staging environment or making backups of your website before making significant changes is always a good practice.
Extended PHP Configuration
During its beta phase, Hostney is operating with limited configuration options. This means that certain configurations are restricted and hidden on the control panel until the beta phase concludes.