What is a domain name?
What is a domain name? The phrase 'domain name' can be used in several different ways to refer to essentially the same thing. First, it's a term for the identification given to a computer or group of computers hosting a website. In this context the term hostname can be substituted for 'domain name.' The domain name, in this sense, is what you type into a browser's address bar to reach a specific website, i.e. thiswebsite.com.
A domain is also the product that registrar's sell to the public – in other words, a registered web address is also called a domain name. Often, hosting companies call domain names 'web addresses,' although technically this is an incorrect term.
Domain names are used in place of numerical IP addresses for a simple reason – people find it much easier to remember a word or phrase than a string of random numbers. IP addresses (used by computers to facilitate communication) are masked by domain names so that human beings can navigate the Internet without getting too confused. It's much more practical to type in thisaddress.com than to remember or record a bunch of numbers.
The best answer to the question, 'What is a domain name?' is that it acts as the home address of a website on the Internet. Think of the actual site as virtual property, and the domain name as the address – it makes it possible for visitors to locate your site so they can drive over and visit. Without the use of domains and servers, users wouldn't be able to find information online or communicate through e-mail. So you can see how important domain names are to the proper functioning of the Internet. What are domains if not the perfect way to organize websites and make it easy for people to get around easily and quickly?
But what are domains in relation to online businesses? Basically, if you're starting an Internet company, a domain name becomes an extension of your brand name - it should relate somehow to your business and what you're selling. The flexibility of domain names (you can come up with anything as long as it hasn't been taken already) allows you to build an online presence you can be proud of.
Hopefully this information answered the question, 'What is a domain name?' for you.
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