What is a domain name?

A domain name is a unique, human-readable identifier used to locate and access resources, such as websites, on the internet. It serves as an easily memorable and recognizable address for internet users to navigate to specific web pages, send emails, or access other online services.

A domain name consists of two main parts: the domain label and the top-level domain (TLD). The domain label is further divided into the second-level domain (SLD) and optional subdomains. The TLD is the last part of the domain name and indicates the category, type, or geographic location of the domain.

For example, in the domain name "example.com":

 "example" is the second-level domain (SLD).
 "com" is the top-level domain (TLD).

Domain names are structured hierarchically, with subdomains appearing to the left of the SLD and TLD. For instance, "www" in "www.example.com" is a subdomain commonly used to denote the World Wide Web.

Domain names play a crucial role in the functioning of the internet by providing a user-friendly way to access websites and online services. Instead of relying on numeric IP addresses to locate resources, users can use domain names, which are easier to remember and share. Domain names are registered and managed by domain registrars and must be unique to avoid conflicts and ensure proper routing of internet traffic.