Shared hosting is a type of web hosting service where multiple websites are hosted on a single physical server. In this arrangement, the server’s resources, such as disk space, bandwidth, and processing power, are shared among all the websites hosted on it.

Here’s how shared hosting typically works:

1. Server Resources: The hosting provider sets up a server and allocates its resources, such as CPU, RAM, and disk space.
2. Multiple Websites: Multiple websites from different individuals or organizations are hosted on the same server. Each website has its own domain name and operates independently.
3. Resource Sharing: The server’s resources are shared among all the websites. This means that the CPU, RAM, and disk space are divided among the websites hosted on that server.
4. Cost-Effective: Shared hosting is usually an affordable option since the costs are distributed among multiple users.
5. Limited Control: As a website owner on a shared hosting plan, you have limited control over the server environment and configuration. The hosting provider manages server maintenance, security updates, and software installations.
6. Performance Impact: Since resources are shared, the performance of your website can be affected by other websites on the same server. If a website experiences a sudden increase in traffic or utilizes a significant amount of resources, it can impact the performance of other websites on the server.

Shared hosting is commonly used for small to medium-sized websites that don’t require extensive resources or have high traffic. It is an economical choice for individuals, small businesses, or those who are new to website hosting and don’t require advanced technical control. However, for websites with high traffic or resource-intensive applications, other hosting options like Virtual Private Servers (VPS) or dedicated servers are more suitable as they offer dedicated resources and greater control over the server environment.