A domain name is a name that can be understood by us humans, that directs you to a website's location on the
internet. It's almost like your house's address, but instead of guiding you to a real physical place, it guides
you to a website's files, which then your browser process.
A domain has two parts, domain names consist of the top-level domain (TLD) and the second-level domain. The TLD is
the part following the dot, such as .com, .org, or .net. The second-level domain, such as "google" in
"google.com," comes before the last dot. I'll talk more about that later.
Domain names are translated by a system called the Domain Name System (DNS). When you type a domain name into
your web browser, the DNS acts like a translator, converting that easy to remember name into an IP address.
Think of an IP address like a ID or like a phone number, except for websites... each one is unique, and each one
belongs to a different page.
A DNS is like a phonebook, you put in the name (domain name) and it gives you phone numbers (IP addresses) that
only computers will understand. Once you type in the domain name, the DNS will look up the corresponding IP
address and direct you to the right website.
There are many different types of domains, each having their own different purpose. Listed below are the most
common:
| Domain Extension | Common Use |
|---|---|
| Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) | Suitable for a wide range of websites. Common extensions: .com, .org, .net |
| Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) | Specific to individual countries or territories. Example: .uk for the United Kingdom, .cn for China |
| New Generic Top-Level Domains (new gTLDs) | Introduced in recent years, offering specific and creative choices. Examples: .app, .blog, .guru |