Anyone that has been half-listening to the techno-babble over the past few decades will have picked up a word or two about the various types of data hosting. The most well-known hosting term is probably “web hosting” where all the code and data needed to keep a website functioning are stored on a server. Then there are “software hosts” that allow businesses to run applications that they have shared in what is known a SaaS (Software as a Service) environment.
One term, though, has many people scratching their heads when they hear it: “Source Code Hosting.” Those that do know what the individual words mean, usually can’t see how it could be different than, say, web hosting where the sites’ source codes are also hosted along with the data in their databases.
So, let’s take a look at what source code hosting is and how it can help you and your business.
What is it?
Source code hosting (aka source code repository) can be defined as a type of data hosting where a business can store a large amount of its source code. The code could be for their website or any other software that is in development or in production stages. With this type of hosting, the codes’ owners have the option of either keeping it private (only for consumption within the business itself) or sharing it publicly (to grant access to the clients/consumers who may get an added advantage or extra service by using the code, for example).
When is it used?
The purpose for which code hosting is used is when a business is developing a new application or website and needs to make sure that nothing overlaps, is overwritten, or gets mixed up. Various versions of a source code can be easily managed using this type of hosting and any developers involved in a shared project can keep track of what is going on using methods like version controls, bug tracking, release management, mailings lists and even wiki-based documentations.
Just like in the normal hosting world, a business can opt to have the source code hosted on its own servers that lie within its own network or rely on source code hosting providers that will handle all the responsibilities that come with the job.
What are its uses in businesses?
A business owner might have read so far and thought that while source code hosting was a jolly good thing, it would have no application in their working environment. Well, below we will see some uses and applications of the hosting in the real world:
- Application Development: a good business always makes sure it is at the cutting edge of technology. At the very least, it will make sure it doesn’t lag too far behind in the tech world as being at the fore is key to getting ahead in our wired world today.
One way of doing this is by trying to develop various custom applications using in-house resources. Now, instead of using any server, the business would be wise to have a separate and secure storage device so that the code doesn’t accidentally access the production environment and:
- Cause damage or corrupt live data.
- Corrupt other applications.
- Hog resources making things slow (or even bring to a halt) in the working environment.
- Open back doors or create security weak points that can be exploited by hackers.
In short, isolating the code during its development stages ensures that no breakage, leaks or unauthorized accesses occur.
- Excellent Availability: as mentioned earlier, a business that has developed a custom app or website for its clients and/or customers will need to make sure that it is available 24/7 and that it comes with the fastest possible bandwidth.
Unfortunately, very few businesses (especially small ones) can meet such criteria – unless of course they are a hosting company themselves. Their networks and servers cannot be relied upon to deliver the high availability that is expected with such testing and implementing of software. Therefore, the only option becomes sending it all to a good source code hosting company and letting them handle the uptimes and high availability issues.
- Security, Back up, et al: any new software, especially if it is a proprietary and an innovative effort, is one of the most lucrative targets for hackers and data thieves. If your new development is one such piece of technology, you would want to make sure that no one could get their hands on it. You would also want to make sure that in case of a disaster, there is a backup lying somewhere for you to get back on track with.
The best people who can ensure this – keeping your software secure and properly backed-up – are hosting companies that have dedicated their service to exactly that cause.
Finally, it should be mentioned that although it might seem like an expensive affair, having source code hosted with a provider is no more expensive than having a whole website done so. In some cases, it is even cheaper and can be found with a little online research.
