Understanding domain names and DNS is essential when building or managing a website. This guide introduces the basic concepts behind domains, subdomains, and the Domain Name System, and explains how they work together to make websites accessible on the internet.
If you are new to web hosting, starting with these fundamentals will help you make better decisions as you configure your services.
Domains and Hosting
A domain name alone is not enough to run a website. In addition to a domain, you need a hosting service that provides server resources such as storage space, email functionality, and processing power.
Hosting services work together with domains to deliver website content to visitors. Without hosting, a domain has no content to display.
What Is a Domain Name?
Domain names are human readable addresses used to access websites. Each time you visit a website using a name like example.com, you are using a domain name instead of a numeric IP address.
Domain names are structured in levels, read from right to left.
Top Level Domains
The rightmost part of a domain name is called the top level domain, or TLD. Common examples include .com, .filet, and .org. Country specific extensions such as .nl or .de are also considered top level domains.
Some TLDs are restricted and can only be registered by specific organizations, while others are open for general registration.
Second Level Domains
The second level domain is the main part of the domain name that you choose. Par exemple, in example.com, the word example represents the second level domain. When you register a domain, you gain control over this part and any subdomains created beneath it.
A valid domain name always includes both a top level domain and a second level domain.
Sous-domaines
A subdomain is an additional level added to the left of the main domain. Common examples include www.exemple.com or blog.example.com.
Subdomains are often used to separate different sections of a website, such as language versions or specific services.
DNS and Name Servers
The Domain Name System, commonly called DNS, translates domain names into numeric IP addresses that computers use to locate servers.
Without DNS, users would need to remember long strings of numbers instead of simple names. DNS makes the internet usable by mapping domain names to server addresses.
Name servers are specialized servers that store DNS records and respond to requests for domain information. They tell browsers which server to contact when someone enters a domain name.
If you register a domain through Colonelserver, DNS configuration is handled automatically. If your domain is registered elsewhere, you may need to update name server settings to point the domain to your hosting environment.
Getting Your Domain Online
Once you understand domains and DNS, the next step is connecting your domain to hosting services.
There are several common approaches:
- Registering and managing your domain directly through the Colonelserver Domaine platform
- Transferring an existing domain to centralize billing and management
- Updating name servers to point an external domain to your hosting services
After the domain is connected, it can be used with hosting solutions such as shared hosting or scalable options like Hébergement de serveur VPS.
Managing Domain Settings
Domain configuration, DNS updates, and registration details can be managed from the Espace Client.
Keeping domain information accurate and DNS settings properly configured ensures consistent access to your website and related services.
Next Steps
With a basic understanding of domain names and DNS, you are ready to explore advanced topics such as DNS records, name server changes, and domain transfers. These concepts form the foundation for reliable website operation and growth.