This post explains what a domain name is and how to get one. 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. Generally, a domain name identifies a network domain, or it represents an Internet Protocol resource, such as a personal computer used to access the Internet, a server computer hosting a website, or the website itself or any other service communicated via the Internet. In 2017, 330.6 million domain names had been registered.
Simply put, a domain name is the address of your website. It is the name that people type into the URL bar of their browser to find your website. The domain name for this website, for example, is ugtechmag.com. (The URL is https://ugtechmag.com/)
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How to Register a Domain Name?
You register a domain name by buying it. There are special types of businesses called registrars. You must contact them and they will register your website’s domain name with the proper authorities.
If you are buying a domain name because you want to build a website, the easiest way to get would be to choose a hosting service provider that doubles as a registrar. A registrar will usually have a tool available to help you check domain availability. Some might even offer free domain registration, but you should know that this usually applies only to the registration itself. You will still be liable to cover the ongoing expenses of owning the domain.
Of course, hosting services and domain name registrations aren’t always a part of the same packaged deal. You can buy a domain name without ever assigning it to a website. This practice is called domain parking, and you might decide to do it simply because you do not want anyone else to assign it to their website. Or you might buy domains just to resell them later. This practice is called “domain flipping” and it can be very profitable if you are quick and lucky to get buyers.
The authorities in question for this is ICANN, which controls the majority of top-level domains, and regional bodies that control country code top-level domains.
NOTE: Some country code domains might have specific requirements you need to meet in order to be allowed to use them. Still, you will not have much contact with any of the controlling bodies because domain name sales are handled by registrars.
Conclusion:
The domain name is a part of the system without which we would not have the internet as we know it today. But it is also one more hurdle you need to make easy to jump when optimizing your website. Having a short and punchy combination of words that are easy enough for people to remember and type into the address bar is always a good direction to take with your domain name.