What are Domain Name Extensions?
So what is the definition of domain name extensions? Domain names end with a period and then a series of letters. That ending part of the domain name is called the domain name extension. Domain name extensions are also referred to as top level domains or TLDs for short.
Examples of TLDs are: .net and .org domains. Further, let’s take the web address http://www.mydomain.com. In this example, the domain name part is mydomain.com. The .com part of the domain name is the TLD.
Top Level Domains
According to wikipedia, there were originally six TLDs which included: .com, .net. .org, .edu, .gov, and .mil. There are several types of TLDs including: generic, country code, and sponsored. The .com TLD is an example of a generic TLD. Country code TLDs are often referred to as ccTLDs. In the 1980’s, the ccTLDs were of the following: .us, .uk, .il, .au, .de, .fi, .fr, .is, .kr, .nl, .jp, and .se. Since then both lists have continued to grow.
For information on the current TLDs available, the Internet Assigned Name Authority (IANA) maintains a complete list of all TLDs.
Restricted Domains
Restricted TLDs can not be registered by the general public. Only those that meet specific criteria can register a restricted TLD. Here are three examples of restricted TLDs: the .mil TLD, the .gov TLD, and the .edu TLD. Firstly, the .mil TLD is restricted to the American military. Secondly, the .gov TLD is restricted to the American government. Finally, the .edu TLD is restricted to colleges and universities.
Some restricted TLDs have since had their restrictions lifted. For example, the .org TLD could only be registered by organizations. Subsequently, that restriction has been lifted. Now anyone can register a .org domain.
Domain Name Extensions: Conclusion
New extensions continued to be added as the need arises. But, most people still search for a .com domain name first. Thus making it the most popular domain extension.
Which one you should chose depends on the nature of your website and what extensions are available to you. With this new knowledge, consider the many TLDs available to you, then choose your piece of internet real estate.