A top-level domain, or TLD, is the last segment of a domain name, or the part that follows immediately after the “dot” symbol. Examples of TDLs include ‘.com’, ‘.org’, ‘.edu’ and ‘.gov’. They are part of the Internet Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy, with the TLDs situated at the highest level. In its configuration, the DNS is essentially an inverted tree structure, with the TDLs at the root of each branch.
There are two types of TLDs: generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and country due code top-level domains (ccTLDs) [ICANN. (2022). Top-Level Domain (TLD) Definition].
In terms of function, TLDs serve to identify the domain’s purpose or geography. For instance, ‘.com’ is typically used by commercial entities, ‘.org’ by not-for-profit institutions, ‘.gov’ by government bodies, and ‘.edu’ by educational establishments. Meanwhile, ccTLDs such as ‘.us’, ‘.uk’ or ‘.cn’ denote the country or a particular geographic location of the domain.
When deciding on a TLD, it is important to consider the nature of the site. If the site is intended for an international audience, gTLDs like ‘.com’ or ‘.net’ would be suitable. However, if the site is focused on a particular country, an associated ccTLD could help to indicate this.
It is interesting to note that, initially, there were only a few TLDs available. However, ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, has considerably expanded this list since 2012 when it introduced the New gTLD Program. This program has allowed organizations to apply for virtually any string as a gTLD for their exclusive use [ICANN. (2012). New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)].
This initiative has led to the creation of hundreds of new gTLDs, which include ‘.google’, ‘.microsoft’, ‘.amazon’ and ‘.apple’, thus opening up new opportunities for brands to customize their domain names according to their identities and industries.
Thus, TLDs play a significant role in the Internet domain naming system, helping to identify a website’s purpose, the nature of the entity that owns it, and its geographical affiliation. With ICANN’s New gTLD Program, the number of available TLDs has significantly expanded, offering more possibilities for customization and branding.
Sources used:
1. ICANN. (2022). Top-Level Domain (TLD) Definition. Retrieved from https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/tlds-2012-02-25-en
2. ICANN. (2012). New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs). Retrieved from https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/delegated-strings
