What a domain is
A domain is the memorable address people use to reach a website. It points visitors to technical infrastructure without requiring them to remember an IP address.
What happens whensomeone enters your domain
| Step | Action | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ActionA visitor enters the domain | TipThe name replaces a hard-to-remember technical address |
| 2 | ActionA resolver queries DNS | TipIt looks for the service holding the authoritative answer |
| 3 | ActionDNS returns a destination | TipUsually an IP address or another service name |
| 4 | ActionThe browser contacts the server | TipHTTPS encrypts the connection before data is exchanged |
| 5 | ActionThe server returns the site | TipDomain, DNS and hosting work together but remain separate |
How it connects
DNS translates the domain into the server that hosts the site. The domain, DNS and hosting are separate services, even when one provider sells all three.
Before you register
Choose a short, pronounceable name, review trademarks and social profiles, and check renewal pricing, WHOIS privacy, transfer lock and DNS access.
Verified sources
Go deeper
These two resources expand on the key points with criteria, data and guidance from the organizations responsible for them.
It describes the hierarchical namespace, servers, zones and resolution process that connect a domain to technical resources.
It clarifies the relationship between registrant and registrar, plus rights and responsibilities for registration, renewal, recovery and transfer.
