When you decide to launch a website, the first words you usually hear are: domain, DNS, hosting, HTTPS. This article is for business owners planning their first website and for anyone who wants to understand these concepts in plain language. The explanations are based on materials from MDN Web Docs (Mozilla) and ICANN.
What is a domain?
As MDN explains, a domain name gives a web server on the internet an address that people can easily read. In other words, instead of a numeric IP address, you type a name like "mozilla.org" into the browser.
You can't "buy" a domain once and for all
It is not possible to buy a domain name once and for all: you pay for the right to use it for one or more years. You can renew it, and you have priority when renewing, but the domain never becomes your property.
Where are domains registered?
According to ICANN, generic domains (gTLDs) such as .com and .org are registered through one of more than 2000 ICANN-accredited registrars or their resellers. Country-code domains (ccTLDs) are registered through the respective ccTLD operators. Azerbaijan's .az domain is also a country-code domain; check its terms before registering.
What is DNS and what does it do?
DNS (Domain Name System) converts human-friendly domain names like "mozilla.org" into numeric IP addresses such as 192.0.2.172. This process is called a DNS lookup. MDN presents this as the primary function of DNS.
Simply put, you type a memorable name, and DNS finds the numeric address behind that name.
Hosting and web servers: where is a website stored?
According to MDN, a web server is a computer connected to the internet that stores web server software and a website's files (HTML documents, images, CSS and JavaScript files). Its software part, the HTTP server, delivers the website's content to the user's device.
You can also store website files on your own computer, but a dedicated web server usually:
- is up and running more of the time;
- stays connected to the internet at all times;
- can have a fixed IP address.
MDN's conclusion is: choosing a good hosting provider is a key part of building a website.
URLs and HTTPS: what do you see in the address bar?
A URL is the address of a unique resource on the internet. For example, in the address https://www.example.com:
- https is the scheme: it tells the browser which protocol to use (for websites it is usually https or http);
- www.example.com is the domain: it indicates which web server is being requested.
HTTPS is the encrypted version of the HTTP protocol. According to MDN, it encrypts all communication between the browser and the server using TLS. This makes the exchange of sensitive information, such as banking transactions and online shopping, secure. That is why HTTPS is especially important on websites with a contact form, orders or payments.
What happens when you type an address into the browser?
Putting all the concepts together, the simplified sequence is as follows:
- You type the website's address (URL) into the browser.
- DNS converts the domain name into an IP address.
- The browser sends a request to the web server at that address.
- The HTTP server software on the server delivers the website's files to your device.
When the scheme is https, the connection between the browser and the server is encrypted with TLS.
| Concept | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Domain | A human-readable address of a web server |
| DNS | The system that converts a domain name into an IP address |
| Web server | A computer that stores website files and delivers them to the user |
| URL | The address of a unique resource on the internet |
| HTTPS | A version of the HTTP protocol encrypted with TLS |
Summary
- A domain is a readable address of a web server; you don't buy it once and for all, you pay for the right to use it for a certain period.
- Generic domains are registered through ICANN-accredited registrars or their resellers, and country-code domains through ccTLD operators.
- DNS converts a domain name into an IP address.
- Website files are stored on a web server; choosing a good hosting provider is a key part of building a website.
- HTTPS encrypts the connection between the browser and the server using TLS.
If you have questions about a domain, hosting or a new website, message Estavor Web on WhatsApp: +994 77 768 10 12. We look forward to your questions about corporate websites, landing pages, online stores, redesign, SEO, domains and hosting.
📚 Sources
🌐 The original article is in Azerbaijani; the official sources are available in Azerbaijani.
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