cPanel

cPanel is a web hosting control panel that provides a graphical user interface and automation tools to simplify the management of websites on a Linux server. Developed by cPanel, LLC, it is widely used in shared hosting environments to let end users manage website content, email, databases, domains, and other hosting tasks. cPanel is typically paired with WebHost Manager (WHM), a separate administration interface used by server administrators or hosting providers to configure servers, create hosting accounts, and manage server-wide settings.

The software stack associated with cPanel includes a web server (commonly Apache), PHP, and a database server (such as MySQL or MariaDB), which are managed through tools like EasyApache. It also handles mail delivery with Exim and provides features for DNS management, backups, SSL certificate management, security controls, and routine automation through cron. Through the user interface, administrators and end users can manage domains, subdomains, DNS records, email accounts, forwards, file management, FTP accounts, databases, and one-click installations of certain applications via supported installers.

Administration and licensing are organized around two main interfaces: WHM for server-level administration and cPanel for end-user hosting management. WHM enables provisioning of hosting packages, reseller accounts, and server-wide configurations, while cPanel offers account-level access to site management features. cPanel is a commercial product licensed per server or per user, with updates delivered through the cPanel update system. Security features include SSL management, directory-level access controls, and integration with third-party security tools.

Platform support and usage: cPanel runs on Linux-based servers and historically has been associated with CentOS- or Red Hat-based environments, though it supports multiple Linux distributions. It is widely deployed in the hosting industry to automate routine server and site management tasks, reducing the need for deep server administration knowledge.