Understanding Your File Structure
When you connect to your SillyHost hosting account, you will see a file structure that may be unfamiliar. Understanding what each directory is for will help you manage your files effectively and avoid accidentally modifying critical system files.
Your Home Directory
When you connect via FTP or open the File Manager, you start in your home directory. This is typically /home/yourusername/. This is the root of your hosting account and contains all your files and directories.
Key Directories
- public_html – This is the most important directory. It is the document root for your primary domain. Any files placed here are accessible via your website. Your
index.htmlorindex.phpfile goes here. - mail – Contains your email account data. Do not modify files here manually as it could corrupt your email.
- logs – Contains access logs and error logs for your websites. Useful for debugging issues.
- tmp – Temporary files used by PHP and other processes. This directory is cleaned automatically.
- ssl – Contains SSL certificate files for your domains.
- .trash – Files deleted through the File Manager are moved here before permanent deletion.
Addon Domain Directories
If you have addon domains, each one has its own directory inside public_html. For example, an addon domain example.com might have its files in public_html/example.com/. The exact path is shown in cPanel under Addon Domains.
Important Files
- .htaccess – Controls URL redirects, security rules, and server configuration. Located in
public_html. - wp-config.php – If you use WordPress, this file contains your database credentials and settings.
- php.ini or .user.ini – Custom PHP configuration settings for your account.
Best Practices
Never delete files you did not create unless you are sure they are unnecessary. Always back up files before making changes. Keep your public_html directory organised with clear folder names for images, CSS, JavaScript, and other assets.