Welcome to the Digital Genesis! A series of articles that cover a beginner’s journey into the online world. In our previous articles, we have so far covered what a domain name is and a domain privacy guide. In this article, we will learn about TLD, TLDcc, and sub-domains in detail.
A top-level domain (TLD) is the concluding segment of a domain name, denoted by suffixes like .com, .net, and .org. These TLDs represent the highest echelon in the domain hierarchy and fall under the administration of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
Types of Top-Level Domains
1. Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs):
These are the most prevalent TLDs used for diverse purposes, encompassing websites, businesses, and organizations. Examples include .com, .net, and .org.
2. Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs):
Assigned to specific countries, these TLDs cater to websites and businesses exclusive to that country. Examples are .in (India), .us (United States), .uk (United Kingdom), and .jp (Japan).
3. Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs):
Sponsored by organizations managing their registration and use, examples are .edu (education), .gov (government), and .mil (military).
TLDcc – Top-Level Domain Country Code
TLDcc, an abbreviation for “top-level domain country code,” is a more specific term referring to country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs).
Subdomain
A subdomain is a section of a domain name preceding the top-level domain (TLD). For instance, in www.example.com, “www” is the subdomain.
Subdomains are often employed to create distinct sections of a website, like a blog (blog.example.com), an e-commerce store (shop.example.com), or a customer support portal (support.example.com).
Relationships between TLDs, TLDccs, and Subdomains
Subdomains are positioned before the TLD in a domain name, such as www in www.example.com.
Examples of subdomains include www.example.com, blog.example.com, shop.example.com, support.example.com, and mail.example.com.
How to Choose a TLD
Consider the following when selecting a TLD for your domain:
- Purpose of Your Website: Choose a TLD relevant to your industry. For instance, a clothing business might opt for .com or .clothing.
- Target Audience: For a global audience, go for a gTLD like .com or .net. For a specific country, opt for the corresponding ccTLD.
- Availability of Your Desired Domain Name: Check if your desired domain name is available, and be flexible with your choice of TLD.
Conclusion
Understanding TLDs, TLDccs, and subdomains is crucial for selecting an effective domain name. Follow these tips when choosing a domain:
- Keep it short and simple.
- Make it easy to remember.
- Avoid hyphens or numbers.
- Choose a relevant TLD for your website and target audience.
- Research the availability of your desired domain name.
By adopting these concepts, you can ensure that your domain is not only meaningful but also easily discoverable and memorable for your audience.