October 6, 2025

What Is A Domain Name

Q: What is the difference between a domain name and a URL?

A domain name is the core address of a site (e.g., `example.com`). A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the full web address that includes the protocol (`https://`), the domain name, and a specific path to a page or file (e.g., `/about-us`).

Q: How does a domain name work?

Domain names work through the Domain Name System (DNS). When you enter a domain name, the DNS acts like the internet's phonebook, translating the human-readable name into a machine-readable IP address that your computer uses to connect to the website's server.

Q: Is `www` part of the domain name?

Technically, `www` is a subdomain, not a required part of the domain name itself. The core domain is the combination of the second-level and top-level domains (e.g., `example.com`). Many sites work with or without the `www` prefix.

Q: Can two websites have the same domain name?

No, a specific domain name (like `example.com`) can only be registered to one owner at a time. However, variations with different Top-Level Domains (like `example.org` or `example.net`) can be registered by other entities.

Learn what a domain name is, its key components like TLDs and subdomains, and how it functions as a human-readable address for websites on the internet.

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What Is a Domain Name?

A domain name is the human-friendly address you type into a web browser to visit a website, such as `google.com` or `wikipedia.org`. It acts as a memorable substitute for a website's Internet Protocol (IP) address, which is a long string of numbers (e.g., `172.217.14.228`) that computers use to identify each other on the network.

Section 2: The Main Components of a Domain Name

A domain name consists of two primary parts. The first is the Second-Level Domain (SLD), which is the unique name of the website (e.g., `google`). The second part is the Top-Level Domain (TLD), the suffix that follows the SLD (e.g., `.com`). TLDs can indicate a website's purpose or origin, such as `.org` for organization or `.edu` for education.

Section 3: A Practical Example

Let's deconstruct the web address `https://www.example.com`. In this case, `example.com` is the full domain name. `example` is the Second-Level Domain, and `.com` is the Top-Level Domain. The `www` part is a common subdomain, which acts as a prefix to organize different sections of a website.

Section 4: Why Are Domain Names Important?

Domain names are crucial for the usability and branding of the internet. They make navigating the web easy for people, as remembering a name is far simpler than memorizing numerical IP addresses. They also allow businesses and individuals to establish a unique online identity, making their content discoverable and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a domain name and a URL?

How does a domain name work?

Is `www` part of the domain name?

Can two websites have the same domain name?