How do domain registrars differ from domain registries?

Domain registrars and domain registries are two distinct entities involved in the domain name registration process, each with specific roles and responsibilities:

1. Domain Registrars:

   Definition: Domain registrars are companies or organizations accredited by domain registries to sell domain names to individuals, businesses, and other entities.
   
   Functions:
     Domain Registration: Registrars allow customers to search for, register, renew, and manage domain names through their online platforms or services.
     WHOIS Management: Registrars maintain WHOIS databases containing information about registered domain names and their owners.
     DNS Management: Registrars provide domain name system (DNS) management services, allowing customers to configure DNS settings, such as name servers, DNS records, and domain forwarding.
     Customer Support: Registrars offer customer support services to assist customers with domain registration, technical issues, and account management.
     Billing and Payments: Registrars handle billing and payments for domain registration and renewal fees.
   
   Examples: GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, Bluehost.

2. Domain Registries:

   Definition: Domain registries are organizations responsible for managing and maintaining top-level domain (TLD) extensions, such as .com, .org, .net, and country-code TLDs (ccTLDs).
   
   Functions:
     TLD Management: Registries oversee the policies, procedures, and technical infrastructure related to specific TLDs, including domain name registration, allocation, and enforcement of registry rules.
     Accreditation: Registries accredit domain registrars to sell domain names under their TLDs, ensuring compliance with registry policies and contractual obligations.
     WHOIS Data Publication: Registries publish WHOIS data for domain names registered under their TLDs, providing transparency and access to information about domain ownership.
     DNS Infrastructure: Registries manage the authoritative DNS infrastructure for their TLDs, including the operation of root name servers and coordination with domain registrars' DNS services.
   
   Examples: Verisign (manages .com, .net), Public Interest Registry (PIR) (manages .org), Afilias (manages various TLDs).

In summary, domain registrars facilitate the registration and management of domain names on behalf of customers, while domain registries manage and administer specific top-level domain extensions, ensuring the integrity, security, and stability of the domain name system. Registrars and registries work together to enable individuals and organizations to acquire and maintain domain names for their online presence.