What is a domain name and how does it work
A domain name is a unique identifier for a website or email address. It allows people to find your website or email address online.
Domain names are two parts:
- The top-level domain (TLD)
- The second-level domain (SLD)
The Top-Level Domain (TLD)
The TLD is the part of the domain name that comes. After the final dot. For example, in the domain name www.example.com, the TLD is com. Other TLDs, such as org, net, and Edu.
The Second-Level Domain (SLD)
The SLD is the domain name part that comes before the dot. For example, in the domain name www.example.com, the SLD is example.
How to Choose a Domain?
Your domain name should be:
- Easy to remember
- Short and simple
- Related to your business or website
- Unique
The most popular TLDs are .com, .net, and .org. These are known as generic top-level domains (gTLDs). There are also many other options, such as country-specific TLDs (ccTLDs) and new TLDs.
How to Register Domain Name?
Domain names are registered with a domain name registrar. This is a company that allows people to buy and sell domain names. Domain name registrars usually have a database of all the available domain names. When registering a domain name, you're telling the registrar which SLD and TLD you want. The registrar then checks to see if the domain name is available and, if it is, registers it for you. Here is the guide to checking the availability of a domain name.
When registering a domain name, you will need to provide contact information. This is called the WHOIS record. The WHOIS record includes your name, address, email address, and phone number. It is public information.
Domain name registrars usually have a way to keep your contact information private. This is called WHOIS privacy. With WHOIS privacy, your contact information is replaced with the registrars.
How does a Domain Name work?
A domain name works by pointing to a web server. When you type a domain name into your browser, the browser contacts a global network of servers called the Domain Name System (DNS).
The DNS finds the web server associated with the domain name and directs your browser to it. The web server then sends the website to your browser.
Domain names are addresses that help people find websites. Just as your home address helps people find your house, a domain name helps people find your website.
Domain names are used to set up websites, email addresses, and social media accounts. They can be registered for personal or business use.
When you register a domain name, you buy the right to use that name for a certain period. The period can be anywhere from one year to ten years. You can also renew your domain name when it expires.
Why do you need a Domain Name?
Domain names are important because they're how people find websites on the internet. When you type a domain name into your web browser, the browser will use the Domain Name System (DNS) to find the website's IP address. The DNS is a global network of servers that translates domain names into IP addresses.
If you have a website, you'll need to register a domain name for it. And if you want people to be able to find your website, you'll need to make sure your domain name is associated with the IP address of your website's server. You can set up DNS records with your domain name registrar.
What are DNS Records?
DNS records are like a phone book for the internet. They map domain names to IP addresses. When you set up DNS records for your domain name, you tell the DNS servers where to find your website's server. This way, when someone types your domain name into their web browser, the DNS servers will be able to find and connect to your website's server. And they'll be able to show your website to the person who typed in your domain name.
What are the Types of DNS Records?
There are different types of DNS records, each with a different function. For example, there are A records and CNAME records. A records map a domain name to an IP address. CNAME records map a domain name to another domain name.
You'll need to set up DNS records with your domain name registrar. But you can also set up DNS records with your web hosting company. If you're unsure how to do this, you can contact your registrar or web hosting company for help.
What is the DNS Propagation Time?
Once you've set up DNS records for your domain name, it can take up to 48 hours for the changes to propagate across the internet. It can take up to 48 hours for your website to be accessible at your domain name.
Can Domain Name be Transferred to a new Registrar?
If you're setting up a new website, you'll need to buy a domain name and set up DNS records. But if you already have a website, you can transfer your existing domain name to a new registrar. And you can set up DNS records for it at your new registrar.
Transferring a domain name is simple. You just need to contact your current registrar and ask them to transfer your domain name to your new registrar. They'll usually do this for free. And it can take up to a week for the transfer to complete.
Once your domain name is transferred, you'll need to set up DNS records for it at your new registrar. You can do this or contact your new registrar for help.
I hope this has helped you understand a little more about domain names and how they work. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. :)