PrestaShop is a free, open-source e-commerce platform that allows anyone to create and manage an online store. Built with PHP and MySQL, it provides merchants with a comprehensive set of tools to sell products and services online. Unlike hosted solutions, PrestaShop is self-hosted, meaning you download and install the software on your own web hosting account, giving you full control over your store's data and customization.

The platform is renowned for its user-friendly admin panel and extensive marketplace of add-ons. Key features include:

• Product Management: Easily add, categorize, and manage your inventory.
• Payment & Shipping: Integrate with numerous payment gateways (like PayPal, Stripe) and configure shipping carriers.
• Theme System: Change your store's design with thousands of available themes.
• Module Ecosystem: Extend functionality with modules for SEO, marketing, analytics, and more.

To run PrestaShop, your hosting must meet specific requirements, typically including PHP 7.2+ and MySQL 5.7+. Most modern hosting providers offer one-click installers (like Softaculous) that simplify the setup process dramatically.

Choosing PrestaShop is ideal for businesses seeking a powerful, customizable, and cost-effective solution. While the software itself is free, you may incur costs for premium themes, modules, and of course, your web hosting. Its active community and regular updates make it a reliable and scalable choice for growing online stores.