Domain

A domain is a unique name that identifies a website or network on the Internet, mapping to an IP address via the Domain Name System (DNS). It consists of a top-level domain (TLD) like .com or .org and a second-level domain, which is the unique identifier. Domains simplify access to online resources by providing human-readable addresses instead of numerical IP addresses.

Also known as: Domain name.

Comparisons

• Domain vs. Subdomain: A subdomain is a subset of a domain (e.g., blog.example.com is a subdomain of example.com).

• Domain vs. IP Address: A domain provides a human-friendly way to access a website, while an IP address is its numerical equivalent in the network.

Pros

• User-friendly: Easier to remember and type than IP addresses.

• Branding: Helps businesses establish a recognizable online identity.

• Flexible: Can be redirected to different servers or services.

Cons

• Requires registration and renewal: Domains must be purchased and maintained.

• Can be hijacked: Poor security practices can lead to domain theft or misuse.

Example

A company registers example.com as its domain, allowing users to visit its website without needing to remember its numerical IP address.