Topic
Domain names
Domain names are human-readable names used to reach internet resources without requiring people to remember numeric network addresses.
At a glance
- Example
- example.com
- Core dependency
- Domain Name System (DNS)
Overview
A domain name gives people a stable, readable label for an internet destination. The Domain Name System connects that label to technical records used by browsers, mail systems, and other network software. Registration, DNS hosting, and the website itself are related but separate services, so changing one does not automatically change the others.
Names and registration
A registrant obtains the right to use a domain name through a registrar for a defined registration period. The registrar records the registration with the appropriate registry, while DNS hosting publishes the records that tell other systems where services for that name can be found.
A name is not the website
Owning or registering a domain does not by itself create a website, mailbox, or application. Those services run elsewhere and are connected to the name through DNS records, which is why a domain can remain the same while its hosting provider or server changes.
Sources and review
MOOR's explanatory text is supported by the following source links.
- About Domain Names — ICANN
- Domain Name System — ICANN