Domains work as a way to identify and locate websites on the internet. When you type a domain name into your web browser’s address bar, it serves as a human-readable version of an IP (Internet Protocol) address, which is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to the internet. The domain name system (DNS) is the underlying technology that translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites easily.
How Does A Domain Name Works For You?
To get a domain name, you need to register it here. Domain registration involves choosing a unique name (e.g., example.com) and paying an annual fee to secure the rights to use that name. Different domain extensions (e.g., .com, .org, .net, etc.) are available for registration.
After registering a domain, you need to specify domain name servers (DNS) for it. At Sangkrit.net, most of the configuration things work in automation. DNS servers are responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. When a user enters a domain name in their web browser, the browser sends a request to the DNS server to find the corresponding IP address.
The DNS server looks up the requested domain name in its database and returns the corresponding IP address associated with that domain which is known as IP address resolution. Now armed with the IP address, the user’s web browser sends a request to the appropriate web server associated with that IP address.
Next, the web server, which is often provided by a web hosting provider, receives the request, locates the requested web page on its storage (e.g., server files), and sends the webpage’s data back to the user’s web browser where it receives the data from the web server and renders it as a fully functional web page that the user can view and interact with.
But that happens with other URLs too so what is the need of having a domain name for your business? Actually, domains provide a user-friendly way to access websites without the need to remember complicated numerical IP addresses. Instead, users can simply type the desired domain name into their browser, and the DNS system takes care of translating that name into the appropriate IP address, ensuring a seamless connection to the desired website.
It is very important for everyone to note that a domain name is not the same as a website. A domain is like the address of a house, while a website on a server or hosting is the actual house itself. The website’s files and data are hosted on a web server, and the domain name is used to point users to that web server to access the website’s content.
What Are Domain Extensions?
Domain extensions, also known as top-level domains (TLDs), are the letters that appear after the dot (.) in a domain name. They help categorize and identify the purpose or nature of a website. Each domain extension serves a specific purpose, and some are associated with particular types of organizations or geographical locations. Here are some common types of domain extensions:
- Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs):
- .com: Short for “commercial,” this is the most popular and widely used domain extension. Originally intended for commercial websites, it’s now used for a wide range of websites.
- .org: Originally designated for non-profit organizations, .org is now used by various entities, including charities, schools, and open-source projects.
- .net: Originally meant for network-related organizations, .net is now used by a variety of websites, including internet service providers and technology-related sites.
- Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs):
- .us (United States)
- .uk (United Kingdom)
- .ca (Canada)
- .de (Germany)
- .fr (France)
- .jp (Japan)
- .cn (China)
- Many other country-specific extensions exist for different countries.
- Sponsored Top-Level Domains:
- .gov: Reserved for U.S. government agencies.
- .edu: Intended for educational institutions, primarily in the United States.
- .mil: Reserved for the U.S. military.
- .int: Used by international organizations established by treaty.
- New gTLDs: In recent years, a variety of new gTLDs have been introduced, offering more specific and niche options for domain names. Some examples include:
- .app: for mobile apps and app-related websites.
- .blog: for blogs and bloggers.
- .store: for e-commerce stores.
- .tech: for technology-related websites.
- .design: for websites related to design and creative work.
- .travel: for travel industry-related websites.
New gTLDs provide more options for creating unique and memorable domain names that align with specific industries, interests, or themes. To know about such TLDs, simply visit the Bulk Domain Registration page.
Choosing the right domain extension depends on the purpose and nature of your website. Generally, .com is the most widely recognized and commonly used extension, making it a popular choice for various websites. However, if the desired .com domain is unavailable, using a relevant alternative domain extension can be a suitable option. Additionally, specific industries or organizations may prefer using country codes or specialized domain extensions to convey their identity or geographical location.