In the context of websites, a domain refers to the human-readable address used to identify a specific location on the internet. It serves as a more user-friendly way to access websites, as opposed to using numerical IP addresses. Here are some key aspects and terms related to domains:

1. Domain Name:

   • A domain name is the human-readable address that users type into their web browsers to access a website. For example, in the domain name "www.example.com," "example.com" is the domain.

2. Top-Level Domain (TLD):

   • The TLD is the last part of a domain name, such as .com, .org, .net, .gov, .edu, etc. TLDs are broadly categorized into generic top-level domains (gTLDs) like .com and .org, and country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) like .uk and .ca.

3. Second-Level Domain (SLD):

   • The SLD is the part of the domain name that is located directly to the left of the TLD. In "www.example.com," the "example" is the second-level domain.

4. Subdomain:

   • A subdomain is a prefix to the main domain and is placed in front of the domain name. For instance, in "blog.example.com," "blog" is a subdomain of "example.com."

5. Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN):

   • An FQDN is a complete domain name that specifies its exact location in the DNS hierarchy. It includes both the SLD and the TLD, like "www.example.com."

6. Domain Registrar:

   • A domain registrar is a company accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to sell domain names to the public. Users register domain names through these registrars.

7. Domain Registration:

   • The process of acquiring and officially owning a domain name is called domain registration. This involves paying a registration fee and providing necessary contact information to the domain registrar.

8. Domain Name System (DNS):

   • The DNS is a distributed system that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, allowing computers to locate and connect to each other over the internet.

9. Domain Hosting:

   • Domain hosting involves storing a website's files and data on a server connected to the internet. Web hosting providers offer services to host the files associated with a domain.

10. Domain Name Extension:

    • The domain name extension refers to the TLD, and it can provide information about the purpose or origin of a website. For example, .gov is commonly used for government websites, .edu for educational institutions, and .org for non-profit organizations.

Understanding these terms is essential for individuals and businesses when managing their online presence, as the choice of a domain name can impact branding, accessibility, and search engine optimization.

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there has been a continuous expansion of top-level domains (TLDs) beyond the traditional ones like .com, .org, and .net. The introduction of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) has been an ongoing process to provide more options for website owners to choose from. However, keep in mind that the domain landscape may have evolved since then. As of my last update, some examples of new or relatively recent TLDs include: