TLD
Top-level domain
The ending, like .com, .org or .shop. Each ending is run by a registry with its own rules and renewal costs.
Anatomy
Anatomy of a domain
A web address has a few named parts. Here is what each one does.
shop.yourname.com
- Subdomain
- Second-level name
- Top-level domain (TLD)
The parts
Name
Second-level name
The part you choose and register. This is what people say out loud, so it should be easy to spell.
Sub
Subdomain
Anything in front, like shop. or www. You create these yourself in DNS, with no extra registration.
The DNS records you will see
- 01
A record
Points the name to a server address, so the website loads.
- 02
CNAME
Points one name to another name, often used for www or a service.
- 03
MX records
Tell the internet where email for the domain should go.
- 04
TXT records
Short text notes used to prove ownership and to help email reach inboxes.
- 05
Nameservers
Say which company answers DNS questions for the domain.