A top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of a domain name. Typical examples of TLDs include “.com”, “.org”, “.net”, “.gov”, and “.edu”. However, you have asked for the TLD “.software”.
To start with, the TLD “.software” is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that was proposed as part of the historic expansion of the domain name system following ICANN’s decision to open the DNS to new, generic TLDs. ICANN is the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, which manages and coordinates the Domain Name System (DNS) to ensure that every internet address is unique.
The “.software” TLD falls under the category of a specific or niche TLD — it is intended for use by software developers, software companies, and any individual, business, or organization involved in the software industry. The .software gTLD was delegated to the Root Zone of the DNS on the 12th of June, 2014, following a successful application by Donuts Inc. This new gTLD provides a relevant and targeted domain space for software developers and companies to network and share software.
From a technical standpoint, there is no significant difference between the working methodology of traditional TLDs like “.com” or “.net” and “.software”. The way domain names are resolved to their corresponding IP addresses retains the same basic principle – when you type a web address into your browser, the request is sent to a network of servers called domain name system servers. These servers then look for the domain name associated with the requested IP address and direct your request in the appropriate direction.
Please note that like any other gTLD, the “.software” domain has to be registered through an ICANN-accredited registrar before it can be used. When the domain name has been registered, the registrant has the liberty to decide where it should point to. It may redirect to software, a blog, an organization homepage, or whatever a registrant desires.
Sources:
- ICANN: “About Generic Top-Level Domains.” (https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/gtld-2013-02-06-en)
- DNSimple: “The life of a DNS query.” (https://howdns.works/episodes/10)
- Donuts Inc: “Introducing .software.” (https://donuts.domains/why-donuts/our-story/)
- ICANNWiki: “.software Delegation.” (https://icannwiki.org/.software)
- ICANN: “Accredited Registrar Directory.” (https://www.icann.org/registrar-reports/accredited-list.html)
