Do I have to use addon domains when I set up multi domains

[jxchen]

Hi we are building a few different website (different frontend), and using the same backend and database.

I am using Magento 2.1.1, we have bought the domains, and hostings, and I have finished creating website, stores, and store views, and changed index.php. But the other websites still remains unchanged. I am thinking to use addon domains in cPanel, but I get "(XID 7yf57g) The domain “homevisiontechnology.com” already exists in the Apache configuration." So could I ask if we need to remove hosting or is there any other options?

Thank you

[JLHC]

You will need to contact your hosting provider about this as only they will be able to solve it for you. It sounds like the domain is already in the server (either as a main domain, Addon Domain or Alias) so it may need to be removed. 

[jxchen]

Hi thank you sir, I did and just added the second domain as a addon domain.

I have an additional question, I did the research and found there are two ways to make the multi domains work:

1. From magento 2 DevDocs, edit httpd.conf to create Apache virtual hosts.

http://devdocs.magento.com/guides/v2.1/config-guide/multi-site/ms_apache.html

2. Use addom domain, subdomain, or alias, and then edit index.php and .htaccess files.

https://www.properhost.com/support/kb?action=displayarticle&id=30&useful=vote,

https://www.crucialhosting.com/knowledgebase/setup-multiple-magento-stores#parked-domain-method

Could I ask what is the differences between them?

And I used addon domains, and then create symbolic links to point to a few directories, is that correct? Will there be some safety issues in the future? Thanks.

[JLHC]

Both options are fine. It depends on which of the two you have access to.