Contents
- What is a domain?
- Why do we need domain names?
- What is a domain name made of?
- How to choose a domain?
- What to check before registration?
- What you need to know about buying a domain?
- How to register a domain?
What is a domain?
A domain is a unique name that serves as an address for a website on the internet. The virtual address that allows users to find the desired resource online is also called a domain name or domain address. To access a website, users enter its domain in the browser's address bar, and the server processes this request, directing the user to the corresponding page.
Why do we need domain names?
Every website consists of many pages containing various types of content, including text, images, and files. These pages are hosted on physical web servers. A domain name, in turn, serves as an address that the browser uses to determine where to find the desired content. In the past, IP addresses were used to access websites—numerical combinations that are difficult to remember. Replacing numbers with text-based domain names significantly simplifies the process of remembering addresses.
Examples of domain names:
- 195.13.237.73
- postmypost.io
The second address is easier to remember, which is the main purpose of creating domain names. Additionally, domains are used for:
- Email setup (for example, [email protected] for corporate email).
- Domain parking, when the address is reserved until the website development is completed.
- Redirecting, allowing users to be forwarded from one address to another.
What is a domain name made of?
A domain name consists of at least two levels: the second-level domain (main) and the top-level domain (domain zone). The structure of the domain is organized hierarchically from right to left, allowing browsers to quickly locate the necessary servers. The main levels of a domain are:
- Top level: top-level domain (for example, .com, .ru).
- Second level: the main domain, which is a unique name for the site.
- Third level: subdomain, which divides the site into separate sections (for example, blog.site.com).
How to choose a domain?
Choosing a domain name is critical to the success of a website. Although technically a domain can be any unique combination of characters, it is important for users that it is:
- Short and easy to remember.
- Associative with the theme of the site or the name of the company.
- Pronounceable and easily communicated verbally.
- Avoiding complex letters and symbols that may cause confusion.
It is also important to consider restrictions on writing domain names, such as minimum and maximum length, as well as allowed characters.
What to check before registration?
Before registering a domain, it is important to check its availability through a Whois service. This tool allows you to find out if the domain is available, who its registrar is, and what the registration terms are. If the domain is taken, you should look for other options. It is also useful to check the domain's history, as its previous use may affect the website's SEO positions.
What you need to know about buying a domain?
It is important to note that a domain name is not purchased outright but is leased for a specified period. The minimum lease period can be one year. After the lease expires, it must be renewed; otherwise, the domain will become available to other users. In some cases, it is possible to register a domain for a longer term, but the rules vary depending on the domain zone.
How to register a domain?
The process of registering a domain consists of two main stages:
- Choosing a domain name: come up with a name and check its availability through the registrar's website.
- Registering the name: provide contact information and pay the registration fee. Registrars often offer additional services.
After successfully registering the domain, you gain access to its management, and you can link it to hosting, ensuring the reliable operation of your website.