What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is a unique address used to access a website on the internet. It consists of a combination of letters, numbers, and sometimes symbols that identify the website and make it accessible from any device connected to the internet. It acts as the “house address” for the website, similar to a phone number or national ID number, as no two domain names can be the same for different sites.
However, a website can have more than one domain, and you can access the site using any of these domains without any issues.
What is the Difference Between a Domain Name and a URL?
Many people might confuse a domain name with a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). Let’s clarify the difference between the two in a simple way.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
A URL is the address used to access any resource on the internet. This can include pages, images, videos, files, and other elements available on the web.
For example, the URL for this page you are reading is: https://ar.hostingcomparisonguide.com/what-is-domain/.
When you visit this link, you access the page displaying this information, and each URL corresponds to a specific and unique resource on the internet.
Domain Name
The domain name is part of the URL. Simply put, it is the main address that identifies the website, while the rest of the URL is the path that directs you to a specific page or file within the site.
Let’s take the following URL as an example: https://ar.hostingcomparisonguide.com/what-is-domain/
- The part https:// is the protocol (indicating a secure connection).
- ar.hostingcomparisonguide.com is the domain, which points to the main website.
- The part /what-is-domain/ is the path or file name within the site, directing you to a specific page or resource inside the website.
Components of a Domain: What Are the Main Parts?
A domain name consists of three main parts, each separated by a dot (“.”):
Subdomain
The subdomain is the part that comes before the domain name and is used to specify different sections within the website. For example, in ar.hostingcomparisonguide.com, ar is the subdomain.
Domain Name
This is the part representing the main name of the website. In the example ar.hostingcomparisonguide.com, hostingdean is the domain name.
Domain Extension
The domain extension is the part that comes after the domain name and often indicates the type of website or its activity. In the example ar.hostingcomparisonguide.com, com is the domain extension.
Examples of Domain Components
Let’s take a practical example to illustrate the components:
HostingDean Website:
- Subdomain: ar
- Domain Name: hostingdean
- Domain Extension: com
- So, the full domain name is ar.hostingcomparisonguide.com.
Google Website:
- Subdomain: www
- Domain Name: google
- Domain Extension: com
- So, the full domain name is www.google.com.
What is a Domain Extension?
The domain extension is the part that comes after the domain name and often indicates the type of website or the organization behind it. Here are some of the most commonly used domain extensions:
- .com: Typically used by businesses or commercial entities. It is the most famous and widely used extension worldwide.
- .net: Used for websites related to networks or the internet.
- .org: Used by non-profit organizations.
- .edu: Used by educational institutions.
- .us: Used by websites for American companies.
- .uk: Used for websites related to the United Kingdom.
- .eg: Used by companies in Egypt.
- .sa: Used by companies in Saudi Arabia.
- .ae: Used by companies in the United Arab Emirates.
- .tv: Used by television channels or websites offering video content.
Additionally, many new domain extensions are continuously being added to meet the needs of users and businesses worldwide.
Summary:
A domain name consists of three main parts: the subdomain, the domain name, and the domain extension.
Each part plays a specific role in identifying your website.
The domain extension typically reflects the site’s activity or field, such as .com for businesses or .org for non-profits.
How Does a Domain Work with Website Hosting?
When creating a website, you must link the domain (the website’s name) with the hosting (the server that stores the website) so that visitors can access your site. This is done by linking the domain to the hosting’s DNS (Domain Name System).
Here’s how the process works:
- The domain defines the website’s name, which is seen by visitors in the browser.
- The hosting provides the space where the website’s files are stored.
- To link the domain with the hosting, you must adjust the DNS settings in the domain’s control panel so that visitors are directed to the server hosting the website.
For more details on DNS, you can refer to this article: What is DNS?
It’s worth noting that several companies offer domain registration services, such as:
- Namecheap
- GoDaddy
Tips for Choosing a Website Domain
Choosing the right domain name is crucial and should be done carefully. Here are some tips to help you choose an appropriate domain name:
Match the Domain to Your Company or Business Name
Try to make the domain name similar to your company or business name, making it easier for visitors to remember and search for.
Use the “.com” Domain Extension
It’s recommended to use the .com extension as it is the most popular and universally accepted. If your site is for a specific activity, you can choose an extension that suits it (like .org for non-profit organizations).
Keep the Domain Short
The shorter the domain name, the easier it is to write and remember.
Make the Domain Name Easy to Remember
Ensure the domain is easy to pronounce and write, so visitors can easily return to your website.
Use Relevant Keywords
Choose a domain that includes a main keyword describing your website’s activity, which can help improve its visibility in search engines.
Use Your Real Information When Registering the Domain
Make sure to enter your accurate details when registering the domain to recover it in case any issue arises.
Register the Domain for a Longer Period
Registering the domain for a longer period boosts your site’s credibility in search engines and reduces the risk of losing it.
Choose a Domain Name That Can Become a Brand
Aim for a domain name that is easy to distinguish and can be turned into a strong brand.
Avoid Using Numbers and Hyphens
Avoid using numbers or hyphens in the domain name as they may make it harder to remember or type.
Avoid Using a Domain Similar to Competitors or Another Brand
Ensure that your domain name does not resemble well-known brands to avoid legal issues or confusion among visitors.
Summary:
- Linking the domain to hosting is done by adjusting the DNS settings.
- Choosing a suitable domain name is a critical step for your site’s success. The name should be short, easy to remember, and related to your website’s activity.
- Always use your real information when registering the domain and opt for a longer registration period to ensure you don’t lose it.
Types of Domains (Internet Domains)
There are several types of domains, each serving a specific purpose. In this article, we will explore the main types of domains and how each is used in different scenarios.
1. Primary Domain
The primary domain is the main domain associated with your hosting account. It is used to access your hosting control panel and interact with the hosting provider’s technical support.
Features:
- A hosting account can only have one primary domain.
- It is used to access the main website via the browser.
Example: hostingcomparisonguide.com
2. Parked Domain
A parked domain is a domain name that has been registered but is not in use yet. This type of domain is like parking a car in a parking lot; it is not actively used but still belongs to you and can be activated at any time.
Features:
- The domain is purchased but is not linked to any hosting services or email.
- Many domain investors buy unique domain names to resell them later at higher prices.
Example:
When you purchase a domain and leave it unlinked to any hosting for a while, it might show a blank page with instructions on how to get started.
3. Addon Domain
An addon domain is a domain that is hosted on the same hosting account as the primary domain but is linked to a different website. It allows you to host multiple websites using one hosting account.
Features:
- The website files for the new domain are stored in a separate folder within the same hosting account.
- It allows you to manage more than one website with a single hosting account.
Example:
If you have a website mywebsite.com
and want to add another site like newsite.com
, you can add it as an addon domain.
4. Subdomain
A subdomain is a part of the main domain and typically contains the name of the main domain. This type of domain is useful for dividing content or offering different versions of a site.
Features:
- A subdomain is added to the main domain using a dot (e.g.,
subdomain.example.com
). - It acts as an additional section or page within the main website.
Example:
ar.hostingcomparisonguide.com
: The subdomain is “ar” from the main domainhostingcomparisonguide.com
.mail.google.com
: The subdomain here is “mail” from the main domaingoogle.com
.
Common Uses for Subdomains:
- Multilingual websites: A subdomain is used for each language version (e.g.,
fr.example.com
for the French version). - Mobile version of a site: Like
m.facebook.com
. - Blogging services: Like
example.blogspot.com
orexample.wordpress.com
.
Summary:
Domains vary based on their use and the type of website. Here is what we learned:
- Primary Domain: The main domain of the website.
- Parked Domain: A domain that is registered but not in use.
- Addon Domain: A separate domain linked to the same hosting account.
- Subdomain: A part of the main domain used to create different sections or versions of the website.
If you’re looking for the best domain registration services at competitive prices, check out our article on the best domain registration companies.