What is the purpose of a domain name in web hosting?

The purpose of a domain name in web hosting is to serve as a human-readable address for websites. It allows users to access websites using easy-to-remember names instead of numerical IP addresses, which can be difficult to recall. When someone enters a domain name into a web browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates that name into the corresponding IP address, directing the browser to the correct web server. This function significantly enhances the user experience by simplifying the process of navigating the internet.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the primary role of a domain name. Creating a unique email address is related to email services and can involve the use of a domain but is not the main function of a domain name. A domain name does not provide a numerical IP address; rather, it serves as a representation of that IP address. Finally, while web files and databases are stored on servers, the domain name itself is not responsible for storage but rather for directing users to the stored content on those servers.