Domain Registration
How to Register and Manage
Every website begins with a domain name. Before DNS can map a domain to an IP address, the domain must be registered. This article explains how domain names are created, bought, owned, and managed.
What is a Domain Name
A domain name is a unique, human-readable label used to identify websites.
Examples:
google.comkarthikkadambi.com
A domain name points to the servers that host your website.
Who Controls Domain Names Worldwide
Domain names are managed through an international system.
ICANN:
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. It oversees domain name policies globally.
Registries:
Organizations that manage specific TLDs.
Examples:
- Verisign manages
.com - Public Interest Registry manages
.org - Google manages
.appand.dev
Registrars:
Companies where you buy domains.
Examples:
- Porkbun
- Namecheap
- GoDaddy
- Cloudflare
- Google Domains
- Squarespace
Registrars interact with registries on your behalf.
How a Domain Name is Structured
Example:
blog.example.com
Breaking it down:
comis the top-level domain (TLD)exampleis the second-level domainblogis a subdomain
You register only the second-level domain under a TLD.
How to Register a Domain Name
Registering a domain is simple.
Step 1: Search for availability
Use a registrar to check if the name is free.
Step 2: Choose the TLD
Examples:
.com.net.org.dev.app
Each TLD has different pricing and rules.
Step 3: Purchase the domain
Registration is usually for one to ten years. You must renew periodically to maintain ownership.
Step 4: Assign DNS
You set:
- Nameservers
- DNS provider
- DNS records
This connects the domain to your hosting server.
What are Nameservers
Nameservers are DNS servers responsible for your domain. They store DNS records that define where your website lives.
Examples:
ns1.cloudflare.comns2.cloudflare.com
You set nameservers at your registrar.
How Domains point to Websites
After registering a domain, you configure DNS.
The most important records are:
- A record: for IPv4
- AAAA record: for IPv6
- CNAME: for aliases
- MX record: for email
These records tell the world where your website or services are hosted.
Domain Expiration and Renewal
Domains must be renewed. If you forget to renew:
- The domain enters a grace period
- Then it enters redemption period
- It may finally become available for others to buy
Large companies often enable auto-renew to avoid losing domains.
Difference between Domain Name and Hosting
People often confuse the two.
| Domain Name | Hosting |
|---|---|
| Your website address | Where your website files live |
| Bought from a registrar | Bought from a hosting provider |
| Does not store data | Stores website content |
Both are needed to build a website.
Conclusion
Domain names are registered through a global system involving registrars, registries, and DNS. Once purchased, you configure DNS records to point your domain to a server. Understanding domain registration helps you build and manage websites confidently.