What is a domain name?

Procédure

A domain name is the address visitors use to easily access a website, for example lws.fr or exemple.com.

It can also be used to create email addresses [PERSON_NAME], such as [EMAIL], or subdomains, such as blog.exemple.com.

This help explains to you [PERSON_NAME] corresponds to a domain name, how [PERSON_NAME] allows you to do.

What is a domain name used for?

A domain name makes it possible to replace a technical address that is difficult to remember with a simple and readable name.

For example, it is easier to remember:

exemple.com

than an address made up only of numbers or technical information.

A domain name can be used to:

• display a website;
• create custom email addresses;
• create subdomains;
• connect a domain to hosting, an online store, or an external service.

How is a domain name composed?

A domain name is generally made up of two main parts:

exemple.com

In this example:

• exemple is the chosen name;
• .com is the extension.

The extension can correspond to a country, such as .fr, to a common usage, such as .com, or to a more specific category depending on the type of project.

A domain name must be unique within its extension. For example, if exemple.com is already reserved, another person cannot reserve exactly the same domain in .com.

[PERSON_NAME], extension and subdomain

It is common to confuse these elements when you are starting out.

A subdomain makes it possible to create a separate address from a main domain.

For example, with the domain exemple.com, you can create:

• www.exemple.com for the main site;
• blog.exemple.com for a blog;
• boutique.exemple.com for a store;
• support.exemple.com for a help area.

The subdomain remains attached to the main domain name.

Using a domain name for an email address

A domain name can also be used to create custom email addresses.

For example, [PERSON_NAME] exemple.com, you can create addresses such as:

• [EMAIL];
• [EMAIL];
• [EMAIL].

[PERSON_NAME] allows you to use a more professional address than a [PERSON_NAME] address>

For these addresses to work, the domain must be associated with an email service that is correctly configured.

Reserve a domain name

To use a domain name, you must first check that it is available, then reserve it with the desired extension.

When ordering, you choose:

• the desired name;
• the extension, for example .fr, .com, .net or .eu;
• the registration period;
• any associated services, such as hosting or email addresses.

A domain name must be renewed before it expires [PERSON_NAME]. If renewal is not carried out on time, the domain may be deactivated, then become available again according to the rules of its extension.

Key points

A domain name is the main address that makes it easy to identify a website, an email address, or an online service.

It can be used alone or with subdomains, and it must be linked to the right services to work: web hosting, messaging, an online store, or another external service.