A **virtual private server (VPS)** primarily serves to provide users with dedicated **resources** and a customizable environment within a **shared** physical server. It emulates the experience of a dedicated server but at a lower cost by using **virtualization** technology. VPS is commonly used for **hosting** websites, applications, or services that need more control and performance than **shared hosting** offers, making it advantageous for businesses looking for scalability and flexibility without the overhead of a full server.