A domain name is a unique identifier for a website. Domain names are what users type into their browsers to visit your website. You can decide your domain name when you set up your website; it can be a combination of letters, numbers, and dashes.
Without domain names, you’d need to find websites using their IP addresses, which are hard to remember. Domain names serve as a simpler alternative, making website access easier. This article will explore different types of domain names and the registration process.
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How Do Domain Names Work?
Your computer contacts a DNS server to translate the domain name into the website’s IP address. The DNS server checks a database of registered domain names and their IPs. Then, it forwards the request to the correct IP address where the website is hosted.
Structure of a Domain Name
Domain names consist of several segments separated by dots, each serving a function. The section after the dot is the top-level domain (TLD) like .com, .net, or .edu. Following this is the second-level domain (SLD), which is the website name. For instance, in www.example.com, “example” is the SLD, and “.com” is the TLD.
The domain name can include subdomains, which precede the SLD. Subdomains help organize website sections efficiently. For instance, you might use a subdomain for your blog (blog.example.com) or your online store (shop.example.com).
Types of Domain Names
Domain names identify websites and can be registered at different levels, with .com being the most popular. Here are the types of domain names:
Top Level Domain (TLD)
The highest level in the domain name hierarchy is the TLD. These provide information about the type of website. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) oversees global coordination and assigns new TLDs. Common TLDs include .com, .org, .edu, .net, and .gov.
Country Code TLDs (ccTLDs)
These TLDs, like .uk for the United Kingdom, .fr for France, .us for the United States, .de for Germany, .jp for Japan, and .cn for China, are two letters long and represent a specific country or territory.
Generic TLDs (gTLDs)
Generic TLDs are three letters long and don’t tie to any specific country. In 2011, the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) allowed organizations to register their own gTLDs. Now we have .google, .oracle, etc. Some gTLDs even represent locations, like .nyc for New York City.
Sponsored TLDs (sTLDs)
Sponsored TLDs are managed by organizations with a specific mission. They aren’t open to everyone and typically have registration restrictions. For instance, .edu is for educational institutions, .gov for government agencies, and .aero for the air travel industry.
Second Level Domain (SLD)
This SLD sits below the TLD and is to the left of it. It typically represents the website or organization’s name. Each SLD is unique and requires registration with a domain name provider. For instance, you might register “example” with “www.example.com”.
Subdomain
A subdomain is a level below the SLD and appears to the left of the SLD. It’s often used to organize different sections of a site. For example, a blog subdomain might be “www.blog.websitename.com”. Subdomains also help create sites in different languages, using extensions like .fr for French or .es for Spanish. So, “fr.wikipedia.org” is the French version of Wikipedia, and “es.wikipedia.org” is the Spanish version.
How to Buy a Domain Name
First, pick a memorable domain name that matches your brand. Use a domain name generator or brainstorm ideas until you find an available one. Once you’ve decided, register it with a domain name registrar.
The next step is to choose and reserve your domain name with a provider. There are many options, so research to find one that fits your needs. Use the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) database to ensure your chosen registrar is legitimate.
Domain name providers manage and sell domain names, handling all tasks to keep your domain active. Popular providers include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and 1&1. Visit their websites, complete the required information, and double-check your domain name for any typos.
When you register a domain name, you need to provide the following details:
- The domain name itself
- Your contact information (name, address, email, billing information, phone number, etc.)
Gather your information, then register your domain name.