What Is a Domain Name and How Does It Work?

A domain name is your website’s address on the internet — the friendly name people type to find you, like yourbusiness.com. Instead of remembering a string of numbers, visitors just remember your name. That is the whole point of a domain: to make the web easy for humans.

How a domain name works

Behind the scenes, every server has a numeric address called an IP address. Domains exist so you do not have to remember those numbers. When someone types your domain, the Domain Name System (DNS) looks up the matching IP address and connects them to your site — a bit like a phone book for the internet. Learn more in what is DNS.

The parts of a domain name

Take shop.yourbusiness.com:

• .com is the top-level domain (TLD) — others include .net, .org and country codes like .com.bd.
• yourbusiness is the part you choose — your unique name.
• shop is a subdomain, an optional section of your site.

Domains and hosting work together

A domain is your address; web hosting is where your site actually lives. You need both, and you connect them by pointing your domain at your hosting — see connecting your domain to your hosting.

Getting your own domain

You can register a new domain name or buy one from VernalWeb in minutes. Already own one elsewhere? You can transfer it to VernalWeb.

Frequently asked questions

Do I own my domain name forever?

You register it for a period (usually yearly) and keep it as long as you renew. If it lapses, you can lose it — see what happens when a domain expires.

What is the difference between a domain and a URL?

The domain is the core address (yourbusiness.com). A URL is the full web address, including the page path, like yourbusiness.com/about.

Can I use any name I want?

Only if it is not already registered by someone else. Search for your preferred name to check availability before you buy.