Domain names are unique and memorable addresses used to access websites. For example, 'Yahoo.com' or 'Google.com.' Domain names help users connect to websites thanks to the DNS system. In this article, we will explain what a domain name is, how it is structured, and how it is used in conjunction with the DNS (Domain Name System) to enable users to access websites on the internet.
What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is a unique and easy-to-remember address for internet users to easily find specific websites. It comprises a series of characters organized in a hierarchical structure, with each level separated by a period or dot (.). For example, the domain name "google.com" consists of the "google" subdomain and the ".com" top-level domain.
The DNS (Domain Name System) is a global network of servers responsible for translating domain names into the numerical IP addresses used to identify and locate computers on the internet. This allows users to easily access websites by simply typing the domain name into their web browser instead of remembering and entering the corresponding IP address.
How are Domain Names Managed?
The management of domain names is overseen by domain registries, which are organizations responsible for delegating the reservation of domain names to registrars. Domain registries and registrars work together to ensure the uniqueness and accuracy of domain names on the internet. Hence, when a person wants to create a website, they must register a domain name with a registrar. Today, there are over 300 million registered domain names.
What's the Difference Between a URL and a Domain Name?
A domain name and a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) are two closely related terms often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. While a domain name identifies the website, the URL specifies the location of a specific page or resource on the website.
For example, "google.com" is a domain name, but "https://www.google.com/search" is a URL. The URL includes the protocol (https) and the path to the specific page or resource on the website (search), in addition to the domain name.
The Parts of a Domain Name Explained
Domain names are generally divided into two or three sections, each separated by a period or "dot." They are read from right to left, and the identifiers are organized from the most general to the most specific. The section found to the right of the last period in a domain name is called the TLD or top-level domain. TLDs include more generic ones such as '.org,' '.net,' or '.com,' and country-specific TLDs like '.au' and '.uk.'
The section to the left of the TLD is known as the second-level domain (2LD), and if there is something to the left of the 2LD, it is referred to as the third-level domain or 3LD. Here are a few specific examples using Google.
First, let's look at the US domain name for Google, 'Google.com':
The TLD is '.com' (most general)
The 2LD is 'Google' (most specific)
Alternatively, here is the breakdown for Google's UK domain name, 'google.co.uk':
The TLD is '.uk' (most general)
The 2LD is '.co'
The 3LD is 'Google' (most specific)
In the second example, the 2LD indicates the type of organization to which the domain is registered. In this case, '.co' is used in the UK for sites that companies register.
How to Secure a Domain Name
After a domain name is registered with a registrar, this company notifies the registrant when it will expire and allows them to renew. This ensures that they retain the domain name. However, it's worth mentioning that some registrars prey on their users' expired domains by purchasing them the moment they expire. Some registrars even sell the domain back to the original registrant at exorbitant prices. Hence, choosing an honest and trustworthy registrar is vital to avoid such predatory practices.
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