subject: What Are Top-level Domains [print this page] Every domain name ends in a top-level domain (TLD) name, which is always either one of a small list of generic names (three or more characters). The most popular are .com, .net, .org, .info, or a two-character territory code based on ISO-3166. For instance, the territory code for Estonia is .ee, Australia .au, France .fr. Top-level domains are sometimes also called first-level domains.
The process of assigning a TLD name is not all that simple. The assigning process is done by the Internet Corporation of Assigned Name and Numbers. This organization is known as ICANN and a name that domain owners see quite often. This is because ICANN operates the DNS root zone and also operates the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority.
Yes, ICANN is a very busy organization. They are constantly evaluating whether or not they need to add additional TLDs. But in addition to territory codes, they also issue what is called Generic top-level domains, or gTLDs. These are top-level domain names that anyone in the world can register. But ICANN does make sure that the correct territory codes and gTLDs are being extended to the organizations registering them.
And ICANN also reserves special TLDs in order to avoid confusion amongst common domains and purposes on the Internet. These TLD's include .invalid, .example, .test, and .localhost. These are only used under very special circumstances and ICANN determines if the circumstance is special enough. If it isn't, then the individual or company seeking to use one of these top-level domains must use one of the more common domain names.
If you want to have a new domain name extension at the end of your web address, you will have to contact ICANN to make the request. However, when it comes to special domains, such as the special TLDs, it is very slim that the request will be approved. That is why you don't see those domain name extensions that often. Some of them you've probably never seen at all. This shows how rare approval is on these TLDs.
Why is ICANN so picky about top-level domains? Well, they are because they are responsible for keeping the Internet organized. Without some sort of process put in place, the Internet would become a very unorganized place. Despite how chaotic it may already seem, it is rather organized compared to what it could be. You are able to find the many things that you do and new organizations and individuals are able to obtain valuable domain names because the system is very particular.
And until these special TLDs and any others that ICANN develops become necessary, you can expect such domain extensions as .com, .net, .org, and .info to be the most common ones that you find. They get the job done. However, you have to determine which is more appropriate for your purpose. If you're an organization, you can choose .org. If the .com is taken, you can use the .net. If your site is purely informational, you can choose .info. You get to make that choice.
