Glossary · Hosting and delivery
Self-hosted
Software operated on infrastructure controlled by the user or organization instead of only through a vendor-managed service.
Also called: self hosting
Definition
Self-hosted software runs in an environment the organization selects and operates directly or through an infrastructure provider. The organization assumes responsibility for deployment, updates, access, backups, monitoring, data, and recovery.
Why it matters
Self-hosting can improve control and portability while adding real operating and security work that must have an owner.
Common misunderstanding
Self-hosted does not necessarily mean on-premises, offline, cost-free, private by default, or independent of third-party infrastructure.
Related terms
Related system family: Hosting & Release
Sources
- What is a web server? (opens in a new tab) · MDN Web Docs
- About repositories (opens in a new tab) · GitHub Docs
Last reviewed July 16, 2026