Networking & Internet
Domain Name
Definition
A domain name is an identification string that defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority or control within the Internet. Domain names are used in various networking contexts and for application-specific naming and addressing purposes.
Why It Matters
Domain names are the human-friendly addresses for websites and other internet resources. They are easier to remember and more stable than IP addresses.
Contextual Example
In the URL `https://www.google.com`, `google.com` is the domain name. This name is registered with a domain registrar and points to Google's IP addresses via DNS.
Common Misunderstandings
- Domain names are organized in a hierarchy. `.com` is a top-level domain (TLD), and `google` is a second-level domain.
- A domain name itself is just a name; it must be linked to an IP address through DNS records to be useful.