If you often use the Internet media, you must have often heard the term domain. Even though you have been using a website for a long time, do you know what a domain means?
In simple terms, the domain is the identity of the web address. For example, when you do a search and find a certain web page, you will see an article such as google.com. Google.com is what is called a domain. So the domain can be referred to as a name.
For domain types, there are at least 2 types, namely domain extensions and domain names. For example, we return to the google.com example, then for the domain extension the URL is .com (the end separated by a period). While the domain name is google.
Can you tell the difference?
There are a variety of domain names and domain extensions that can be found on the Internet. There are at least 2 types of domain extensions. Domain ID, for example, is devoted to the identity of the Indonesian state. If you encounter the term domain, for example .or.id, .co.id or .id, it means that the domain is originating or intended for individuals, institutions, organizations from Indonesia.
As for the type of domain extension TLD (Top Level Domain) is an extension that can be used globally. For example extensions such as .net, .com, .org and others.
In addition to the various types, the domain also has various levels. Of course, it turns out that the domain has many different types and categories, right? So, be prepared to listen to the following reviews.
What is a Domain and its Types
Domain can be interpreted as a name or unique identity that is useful as server identification, for example on a web server or email server on the internet network or on a computer network. In simple terms, a domain is a unique name as a marker or identity of a web address. Domains consist of 3 types based on their level.
The TLD is the highest-level domain in the internet’s DNS array. TLDs can be further divided into 3 types of domains;
- CCTLD (Country Code Top Level Domain) as country identity such as .us, .id or .au.
- GLTD (Generic Top Level Domain (GLTD) for example like .org or .com.
- PLTD (Premium Top Level Domain) for example .web, .host, .site and others.
For levels below the TLD there is a Second Level Domain. This second level domain is a domain name. So for example, for an example like www.hai.com, the word ‘hi’ is a second level domain. This Second Level Domain (SLD) is an identity that is easy to remember or easy to spell by ordinary people. As much as possible the name used is short and familiar.
Third Level Domains (TLDs) are also known as subdomains. This subdomain is usually used when there is a need to show information that is not the same as the main domain, but still has something to do with internal purposes. For example in the example www.news.hai.com, the TLD is ‘news’.
Also read: recommendations for where to buy a domain
What is the Function of Domain
In general, a domain is like a owned name. A server has an identity in the form of a domain name, be it an email server or a web server. With this name, the server is represented.
With a domain, it will be easier for users to remember the server and it will be easier to access it because it recognizes its name.
Apart from being an identity, the domain helps to facilitate the process of accessing the server. His unique and short name will be easy to remember. Domains also make it easier for users to go to website addresses without the need to remember long IP addresses. In this way users access the site quickly as needed.
For example, you will access the google.co.id web page which has ip 103.234.122.234. This IP address is actually useful for directing users to the main page of google.id. But to access the main page, you do not need to remember the IP number. Simply by typing the domain google.co.id then you are directed to the page according to the IP.
Domains can also use redirects that make it easier for users to access web pages. So users can be automatically redirected to other sites. This redirect or redirect is indeed simpler.
For example, if you are interested in opening a facebook website, you type fb.com. With a redirect, you are automatically redirected to the official site, namely facebook.com.
What is a sub domain
After getting to know the domain, there is a new term that you need to know next, namely sub domains. For example in the example of news.hai.com. then the word ‘news’ written before ‘hai.com’ is a sub domain. Sub domains can be interpreted as words that have a special meaning from a particular website, but are still part of the web.
Sub domains function as separators so that the content on the main website is neater and easier to find according to certain topics or fields. Sub domains become a more specific identity about your web page. For example, you manage an online store and will make an education about the goods being sold. Then you can use sub domains.
Sub domains also have a function to make search engines look for these sites and have nothing to do with your main web domain address. In other words, the sub domain of your website can also go up and become parallel to the main domain. If this happens, you can also beat the web that is your competitor.
The use of sub domains does have its own benefits. For that sub domains need to be managed and used appropriately and correctly. That way the sub domains will be indexed faster and support the main domain name. Even though it’s still in one domain, you can freely create separate sites by using sub domains.
What are Commonly Used Domains
Domains are generally divided into 2 types, namely gTLD and ccTLD. Generic Domain (gLTD) is a domain that can be used by anyone regardless of which country the person is from. Generic Domains are also commonly referred to as TLDs or Top Level Domains. This domain is also directly linked under the root, which is the point behind the main domain.
The second type of domain is Country Specific Domain (ccTLD). This domain is usually terminated using 2 extensions. Each country has a Country Specific Domain. This domain is also often called the Second Level Domain. For example .co.id (Indonesia), .co.uk (United Kingdom), .co.us (United State). Any organization in a country can use this SLD.
Examples of gTDL that are often used are .com (commercial), .edu (education), .net internet, .org (organizations), .tv (television), .biz (for business purposes). As for the example of Country Specific Domain in Indonesia, the ones that are often used are as follows. Domain .ac.id (academic and education), co.id (commercial), .sch.id (school), .web.id (business entity), .go.id (government), .net.id (communication services ) etc.
These explanations can help you to better understand the domain. If you are starting a blog, the need for a domain is indeed an important factor that needs to be considered and chosen as needed. Without a domain, the website cannot be reached because there is no clear address. You can register a domain with the name you want through hosting and domain services.