Domain is the website address that you type when accessing a website. The form of the domain name can vary according to the content and type of website
Let’s say you want to access the Google page, of course you will write google.com in the browser, right? Well, what you type in the browser is called the domain . So, the domain is the address to access a website.
Just like a house, every website in this world must have a domain as an address so that it can be easily visited.
So, for those of you who want to build a website, let’s learn what a domain is, domain function, domain types, and how to register and transfer a domain!
What Are Domains?
Domain is a unique name that serves to direct browser users to a particular website. Domain names generally end with an extension, such as .com, .id, and the like.
The domain name system consists of two main elements, namely the domain name and domain extension. The domain name is the address that represents your website. Meanwhile, the domain extension is the final part of the domain. Generally, the best known is .COM or .ID.
Basically, the domain name system is a substitute for using an IP address in the form of a combination of numbers.
The increasing number of websites makes the combination of numbers in the IP address more difficult for users to memorize. That’s why the domain name system is so much more effective.
Up here, you already know the meaning of the domain. However, maybe you are still confused about the difference between a domain and a link or URL in general.
You can have a domain name and extension by registering with a domain service provider.
So, you already know what a domain is, right? So, what are the functions of the domain? Let’s scroll to the point below!
Difference between Domain and URL
The domain is the website name, while the URL is the website address that takes you to a specific site. That means, the domain is inside the URL.
Even though at first glance the domain is only useful as a website name, the domain actually has quite an important function. Let’s see more about what domains are for in the next discussion.
Domains Function
The function of the domain is so that users can access the website without the hassle of entering the IP address first.
Basically, websites are stored on a web server. When you type in the domain name, there will be a process to find website data on the destination web server according to the identity of the IP address.
For example, when typing niagahoster.co.id, you can easily access the Niagahoster website without having to know the Niagahoster IP address.
No need to worry about the wrong address, as long as the information entered is correct. The reason is, a domain is a unique thing. Because. no one can use a domain name that is already registered in someone else’s name.
This is because there is a special organization called ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) whose job is to keep a database of all domain names in the world.
So, when you want to register a domain name, the service provider will check the ICANN system to make sure whether the domain name you want is still available or not.
Domain Types
In general, there are three types of domains, namely TLD, ccTLD, and gTLD. Each meaning of this domain has its own use. In detail, the types of domains are:
1. TLD – Top Level Domain
Top Level Domain or TLD is a type of domain that is located at the very end of a domain. TLDs that are often used are .com, .id, and .gov.
The function of the top level domain is as a marker for the type of website, the country of origin of the website, and so on. As an example of a top level domain , if you run an online-based sales business with an online store website, then the extension you can choose is the .store domain .
2. ccTLD – Country Code Top Level Domain
As the name implies, country code domain or country code Top Level Domain is a type of domain that shows the identity of the country of a website. Plus, the contents of the website are generally specific to the people of that country.
Usually, ccTLD extensions use country initials. Examples of ccTLD domains are like, .id for Indonesia, .au for Australia, and others.
3. gTLD – Generic Top Level Domain
Generic Top Level Domain is the most commonly used domain type in the world. Usually, this domain uses the abbreviation for website usability. For example, .COM for commercial sites. .EDU, for educational websites.
One organization website that uses Generic Top Level Domain is WHO (World Health Organization) with .int domain .
Other Domain Types
Apart from the domains mentioned above, there are several other types of domains, such as:
1. SLD – Second Level Domain
Second Level Domain is the unique name that you register when you buy the domain. Usually, SLD is also called by the name of the website.
The Second Level Domain position is located in front of the TLD. An example of this type of domain on www.niagahoster.co.id is niagahoster.
2. Third Level Domains or Subdomains
The third type of domain is the Third Level Domain which is located at the very front of the entire URL. The function of this type of domain is as a new page or derivative of a website.
Examples of subdomains or Third Level Domains are www, such as www.facebook.com, www.twitter.com, www.niagahoster.co.id, and others.
3. Premium TLD
Premium Domains or Premium Top Level Domains are alternative domain types with premium naming.
Some popular examples of Premium Top Level Domains are .store, .travel, .doctor, .site, .academy , and others.
Example Domains
Here are some examples of domains you can use:
- .COM: domain for commercial use.
- .ORG: the domain for non-profit organizations.
- .NET: the domain for network technology companies, such as internet service providers.
- .EDU: the domain for educational institutions
- .GO.ID: the domain for government websites in Indonesia.
- .CO.ID: domain for business websites or commercial activities in Indonesia.
What Are Addon Domains and Parked Domains?
In addition to the various types of domains that we have previously explained, there are two domain terms that are useful when managing domains, namely Addon Domains and Parked Domains.
1. Addon Domain
Addon domains are domains added after you have your main domain. So, addon domain as if you have a new domain. It’s just that the storage is in the main domain.
For example, let’s say your main domain is mybusiness.com, and you add the addon domain mybusiness.com . So, the mybusiness.com folder will be in mybusiness.com ‘s public_html folder .
2. Parked Domain
What are Parked Domains? The definition of a parked domain is a feature used to direct one or several domains without content to one main domain.
The way parked domains work is very simple. Let’s say you have a domain mybusiness.com , then you want to create a domain mybusiness.net .
So, every visitor to mybusiness.net will see the appearance and content of the content that is exactly the same as the mybusiness.com domain . If there is a link on mybusiness.net, it will also point to mybusiness.com.