Normally, a single Joomla! installation is used to power one website. Each installation has its own database and file structure, which makes it independent.
2. Multiple Sites with Separate Installations
You can set up separate Joomla! installations for different websites on the same hosting account. Each site would be independent, with its own database and design.
Hosting providers often allow you to create subdomains or multiple domains, making it easy to manage multiple Joomla! sites.
3. Multi-Site Management (Advanced Option)
Joomla! can manage multiple sites under one main installation using third-party extensions. This is called a multi-site setup. Some popular extensions include:
JMS Multi-Sites: Allows you to manage multiple Joomla! sites from one installation. Each site can have its own theme, database, and configuration, or share resources like users and extensions.
Virtual Domains: Lets you create multiple domains or subdomains within one Joomla! installation.
4. Multi-Language Websites
While not the same as running multiple sites, Joomla!'s multilingual support lets you create one website with content in multiple languages. Visitors can switch between languages, and the site feels like multiple sites from a user perspective.
5. Why Use a Multi-Site Setup?
Centralized Management: Manage updates, extensions, and themes for all sites in one place.
Shared Resources: Share extensions, templates, or even users between sites.
Scalability: Easily launch and manage additional sites without starting from scratch.
Example Scenarios
Corporate Setup: A company can run different websites for its regional offices or business divisions.
Education Platforms: Universities can manage individual sites for departments, faculties, or student groups.
Ecosystem Sites: A business offering multiple products or services might have a separate site for each, all managed centrally.
