What is the domain lifecycle, from registration to expiration?

The domain lifecycle consists of several stages that a domain name goes through from the initial registration to its expiration and potential renewal. Here's an overview of the domain lifecycle:

1. **Registration**: The domain lifecycle begins with the registration of a domain name by an individual or organization. Domain registration involves selecting a unique domain name and purchasing it from a domain registrar or reseller. Once registered, the domain name becomes the property of the registrant for a specific period, usually one year or longer.

2. **Activation**: After the domain registration is completed and payment is processed, the domain name is activated and becomes operational. During this stage, the domain name is associated with the registrant's chosen DNS (Domain Name System) settings, which determine the domain's web hosting, email routing, and other configuration options.

3. **Active Use**: The domain name is actively used by the registrant for various purposes, such as hosting a website, setting up email accounts, or creating subdomains. The registrant may develop and publish content on the website, promote the domain through marketing efforts, and utilize email addresses associated with the domain for communication.

4. **Renewal**: As the expiration date of the domain registration approaches, the registrant must renew the domain to maintain ownership and prevent expiration. Domain renewal typically involves paying a renewal fee to the registrar to extend the registration period for an additional term, such as one year or multiple years. Renewal can usually be done through the registrar's website or by contacting customer support.

5. **Expiration**: If the domain registration is not renewed before the expiration date, the domain enters the expiration phase. During this period, the domain is no longer active, and services associated with the domain, such as website hosting and email services, may be suspended or terminated. However, the registrant may still have the opportunity to renew the domain during a grace period following the expiration date.

6. **Grace Period**: After the expiration date, most domain registrars offer a grace period during which the registrant can still renew the domain without losing ownership. The length of the grace period varies depending on the registrar and the domain's TLD (top-level domain). During the grace period, the domain may display a "expired" status, but it can usually be renewed at the standard renewal fee.

7. **Redemption Period**: If the domain is not renewed during the grace period, it may enter a redemption period, also known as the redemption grace period (RGP). During this phase, the domain is removed from the DNS, and additional fees may apply to restore the domain to active status. The redemption period typically lasts for 30 days but can vary depending on the registrar.

8. **Deletion**: If the domain is not redeemed during the redemption period, it may be released for public registration and deleted from the registrar's database. Once deleted, the domain becomes available for registration by anyone on a first-come, first-served basis. The domain's lifecycle is then complete, and the process can begin again with a new registration by a new owner.

Throughout the domain lifecycle, registrants are responsible for managing their domain registrations, ensuring timely renewal, and complying with registrar policies and procedures to maintain ownership of their domain names. Failure to renew a domain before the expiration date can result in loss of ownership and potential disruption to online services associated with the domain.