Domain Name

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is the human-readable address of a website, typed into the URL bar of a web browser. It is a unique name assigned to a site hosted on a web server. Like a phone number or email address, no two entities can use the same domain. For example, since www.huffpost.com is already taken and active, no one else can use that domain.

Domain names are made up of letters, numbers, and symbols. You need to buy and register a domain name through a domain registrar before using it to host websites. Compare the best domain registrars to find competitive pricing and reliable management tools. Some domains cost more than others because they carry value from positive history.

Purpose of a Domain Name

A domain name makes it easier to find a website because it is more memorable than IP addresses. Instead of typing a lengthy group of numbers, people can enter a name or word.

Domains are also essential for branding. The URL of a website builds an image or brand around specific keywords, for example, facebook.com.

IP Address vs. Domain

An Internet Protocol address is a distinct numerical name assigned to every machine connected to the internet. It provides location details of a computer network for sharing resources and data. A common example is 192.168.1.1.

IP addresses are assigned to particular hardware. They are not connected to any web hosts and can be changed only within the device.

Domain names are easier to manage, less technical, and tied to specific web hosting servers where they can be changed or transferred.

Parts of a domain name

Subdomain

A subdomain is an additional component of the primary domain and is in the third position on the domain hierarchy. In the URL, it is visible before the domain name. A subdomain is free and can be created to categorize and navigate different parts of a website.

In the example above, community.powerbi.com is a subdomain of powerbi.com.

Domain Name

A domain name, also called the main domain, is the website’s name. Before it can be used, it should be bought and registered to a web hosting platform together with the top-level domain.

Some other examples of domains are (in bold):

• huffpost.com
• thecommonwealth.org
• ubersuggest.com

Top-level Domain

The top-level domain is the part of a domain name that reflects the nature of the site. It is located at the last part and either be generic TLDs, which are open to anyone, or country-code TLDs specific to countries or territories of origin.

Some examples of generic top-level domains are:

• .edu
• .info
• .com
• .biz
• .org

Some examples of country-code top-level domains are:

• .ca
• .uk
• .ph
• .us

Root Domain

The root domain is at the highest level of the domain hierarchy. It is achieved by combining the main domain and the top-level domain. When someone types the root domain of a particular website, they will be directed to the site’s top page, which is usually the homepage. The root domain is fundamental as subdomains can’t work without it.

Some examples of root domain are (in bold):

• ideas. ted.com
• entrepreneurshandbook.co
• drive. google.com

Root domains are also referred to as the “web address.”