top-level domain

From IndieWeb


A top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of a domain name, such as .com, .net, .org. It should not be confused with the apex (e.g. the example.com in www.example.com).

TLDs for web development

Many developers use a TLD for local domains for development. .dev is often used for this, but was registered in 2015 by Google [1]. In 2017, Google enabled HSTS for all .dev domains [2] meaning it will not allow to work over HTTP any more.

RFC 2606 explicitly reserves .test, .example, and .invalid [3]. There is a draft specification for .localhost.

Domains

Alphabetically sorted domains (after the ccTLDs cluster).

ccTLDs

Main article: ccTLD

This is an abbreviated list of country code top level domains, for the full list of IndieWeb-related ccTLDs and IndieWeb or other experience / warnings, see: ccTLD

biz

.biz is a generic top level domain intended for use by businesses ("biz" is colloquial for business). See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.biz for more details about .biz.

IndieWeb Examples:

ong

.ong is the French equivalent of .ngo, for non-governmental organizations, and is similar to .org in that respect except registrants must demonstrate non-governmental status (per https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.NGO_and_.ONG).

IndieWeb Related Examples:

tech

.tech along with many of the other new similar TLD:s often have "premium" domains that are open for registration, but which have special "premium" pricing that can be above $10k/year at times.

When using a tool like Domainr such domain names can often be suggested as short, easy to spell alternatives for terms that one searches for, but unless one spots that the domain is premium it can become a very expensive buy.

IndieWeb Related Examples:

Add more TLDs here

Using a different TLD for your personal site or short-domain or a cool service you built? Add it here.

...

Database of available TLDs

The IANA manages the authoritative list of TLDs on their website: the Root Zone Database. Every domain has its own Delegation Record that is linked to and can be checked. If you would like to know who owns .cat you can check its Delegation Record.

See Also