In a more technical explanation, a domain is a name that is chosen as the identity of a web server or computer so that we can remember it more easily. The domain function is almost the same as the Contacts application on the cellphone which displays the name for each phone number.
Without this name, we have to type a series of numbers called IP addresses in the browser’s address field every time we visit a website.
Want to know more? In this article, we will explain everything, including the meaning of domains, the functions of domains, their types, and how to register and transfer them. Check it out!
What are Domains?
Domain is the name of the website ending in the extension (.com, .co.id, etc.) that you type in the address bar of your browser to open the website.
Understanding Domain
In short, a domain name is the address you need to use to open and access a website. The domain name consists of two main elements, namely the website name and the extension. For example, Facebook.com contains the website name (Facebook) and the extension (.com).
Domain name registration is managed by an organization called ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). ICANN determines the available extensions and has a centralized database containing domain name redirection information.
What are Domain Functions?
Each website is actually represented by a series of numbers (IP addresses) which the computer will later use to retrieve data from the server, because computing systems work by understanding numbers.
Of course, it will be very inconvenient for us to remember each of these numbers when accessing the website, especially since this series of numbers is always different for each site. Therefore, this name was created.
For example, we will use the domain name hostinger.co.id. Let’s say our IP address is 100.90.80.70. This IP address points to a server that stores website data.
Then, the computer uses that number to go to the server and request website data, then serve it to you in the browser. Just imagine, it’s really dizzy if you have to remember every IP address of the website you want to visit.
Finding a domain name is also difficult, because a set of names and extensions can only be owned by a website. Well, if you use a provider like Hostinger, you can search for a domain name, and even get a free domain if you buy a web hosting package for a year or more. Come on, check out our web hosting packages!
Domains can also take advantage of redirects that help you determine whether visitors to your site will automatically be redirected to another site. This is especially useful for campaigns and microsites, or for directing visitors to a custom landing page on your main site.
The redirect option will also help avoid typing errors. For example, when you mistype your Facebook URL by typing www.fb.com, you will still be redirected to www.facebook.com thanks to this option.
Different Types of Domains
Not all names follow the same formulas and rules. While .com domains are the most popular, accounting for around 46.5% of all websites worldwide, there are others to choose from, such as .online and .store domains.
Here are the most used domain types:
1. TLD: Top Level Domain
As the name suggests, this type is the top level in the system on the Internet. There are thousands of TLDs you can use, and the most popular include .com, .org, .net, and .edu.
The list of official TLDs is maintained by an organization called the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and you can view them here. The IANA notes that the list of TLDs also includes ccTLDs and gTLDs, which we’ll cover later.
2. ccTLD: Country Code Top Level Domain
ccTLDs use only two letters based on international country codes, for example .us for the United States and .jp for Japan. Usually ccTLD users are companies that create sites specifically for certain regions, and can show visitors that the site they are visiting is valid for its purpose.
3. gTLD: Generic Top Level Domain
Basically, a gTLD is a TLD that doesn’t use a country code. Most gTLDs have a specific use, for example .edu for educational institution websites (education). Well, you don’t have to meet certain requirements to register a gTLD, like .com which isn’t always for commercial websites.
Other examples of gTLDs are .mil (military), .gov (government), .org (non-profit organizations and organizations), and .net which were originally created for internet service providers (ISPs), but now you can use in any field.
Other Name Type
At this point, you already know what a domain is, the function of a domain, and some of its types. Next we will introduce other variations of the name that you can use:
Second Level Domain
You may have seen this one. This name is right after the TLD. Don’t worry, we won’t use too technical an explanation because it will be easier if you use an example, especially for those related to country codes.
An example of this type is .co.uk which is used by several company websites in the UK. Alternatively, .gov.uk for UK government institutions, and .ac.uk for academic institutions and universities in the kingdom.
Subdomain
With subdomains, webmasters don’t have to buy additional names if they want to add shares to their sites. They simply create a subdomain that can be redirected to a specific directory on the server.
Subdomains can be the best option for campaign sites and other types of web content that should be separate from the main page or site.
For example, Facebook uses developers.facebook.com to provide certain information to web developers and app developers who want to take advantage of Facebook’s APIs. Another example is support.google.com.
Free domain
There are also free names that you can get from various website builders such as WordPress.com, Squarespace, Weebly, and so on.
This name is similar to a subdomain in that it uses the website name in your personal domain. Examples are businessbooks.wordpress.com or businessbooks.squarespace.com, which means the name comes from WordPress and Squarespace.
However, this type is not suitable for long term for business or if you want to have a unique branding. It would be much better if you have your own name.
Conclusion
You now know what a domain is, the function of a domain, and its various types. In addition, you have also learned how to transfer and how to register.
Here’s a summary to help you remember:
1. This name is like the address of a place.
2. Consists of the website name (eg Hostinger) and extension (eg, .co.id).
3. All registrations are managed by ICANN.
4. Domain serves to direct visitors to the right server (when accessing the website).
5. .com is the most popular name; 46.5% of websites in the world use it.
6. ccTLDs use country codes and refer to geographic areas (for example, .cn or .es).
7. gTLDs are extensions for specific purposes (eg .org for organizations).
8. Each registrar offers a different domain registration process.
9. You can use the special search feature to find out the availability of the name you want.
10. Can be transferred from one provider to another.
