The internet has become an essential part of daily life, providing everything from communication channels to resources for learning and e-commerce. At the heart of this complex system lies a surprisingly simple concept: the humble domain name. Below we answer the question, How do domain names work?
Domain names are unique, human-readable addresses that direct us to specific sites on the internet. Behind the scenes, a fascinating set of processes translates these easy-to-remember names into the numerical language that computers understand, making it possible for web pages to reach users in mere seconds.
The importance of the web
The internet’s influence on modern life is undeniable, with an estimated 1.8 billion websites in existence today (November 2024). Taken together, this means there are now more web pages than there are people globally.
It’s hard to imagine a world without the connectivity and resources the web provides, as it shapes everything from work and shopping to entertainment and communication. E-commerce, for instance, has completely changed the way we shop by giving us access to global markets and products, often from the comfort of our own homes. Meanwhile, social media platforms have democratised publishing, enabling anyone with an internet connection to share their thoughts, experiences and expertise with a global audience.
Today, website creation tools like WordPress, Wix and Squarespace make it easy for nearly anyone to create a website, without requiring extensive coding knowledge. This accessibility has empowered individuals and businesses alike to establish a presence online and connect with others in countless ways.
Of course, it’s also possible to employ the services of a professional web developer to make your site for you. Here’s a list of things you need to tell your web developer.
Alternatively (and particularly appropriate if you’re starting a web-only firm) you could also entrust the whole process to a business incubator service.
Demystifying domain names
At its core, a domain name is an address that we use to find websites on the internet, like “example.com.” Domain names are carefully structured to make them easy to remember and use, which is a key reason they’re composed of readable language instead of the numerical IP addresses that computers understand. Imagine having to remember and type out a series of numbers every time you wanted to visit a website—that’s what IP addresses are like. Domain names solve this by allowing users to type in a familiar, readable name to reach a specific website, where everything else is handled behind the scenes. Click here for advice on how to choose the perfect domain name.
How domain names work: a step-by-step guide
The process of transforming a domain name into an IP address involves several steps and systems. Here’s how it works:
- User Types the Domain Name
When a user enters a domain name into their browser’s address bar, the browser begins by trying to determine the corresponding IP address. - DNS Request to the Recursive Resolver
The browser sends a request to a DNS (Domain Name System) resolver, which is typically managed by the user’s internet service provider (ISP). This is known as a recursive resolver, and its job is to track down the IP address associated with the domain. - DNS Query to the Root Server
If the recursive resolver doesn’t already know the IP address, it queries a root DNS server. This server is the first in a hierarchy of servers that help locate IP addresses. The root server points the resolver to the appropriate top-level domain (TLD) server, based on the domain’s suffix (like .com or .org). - TLD Server Request
The resolver then queries the TLD server. For example, if the domain name ends in “.com,” the resolver will communicate with the “.com” TLD server. This server directs the resolver to the authoritative DNS server for the specific domain. - Query to the Authoritative DNS Server
The authoritative DNS server contains the actual IP address associated with the domain name. The resolver asks this server for the IP address, which it provides. - Returning the IP Address to the Browser
The recursive resolver now has the IP address and sends it back to the browser, completing the lookup process. - Connecting to the Web Server
With the IP address in hand, the browser can now connect to the web server hosting the website and request the specific page content. - Page Loading
Finally, the requested web page content is delivered to the user’s browser, allowing them to view the site.
This system ensures that, no matter how complex the process, users can easily find websites by typing in simple domain names.
The server process
Once a user’s device has the correct IP address, the next step is to retrieve the website’s content. This involves connecting to the web server and requesting specific data so that the page loads correctly. Here’s how this server process works:
- Requesting the Web Page
The browser sends a request to the server that hosts the website, using the IP address obtained from the DNS. - Server Receives the Request
The server acknowledges the request and prepares to deliver the page’s content. - Fetching the Necessary Files
The server gathers all the files that make up the web page, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript and any multimedia elements such as images or videos. - Creating the Response
The server packages this information into a response, which it sends back to the user’s browser. - Transmitting the Data
Data is transmitted over the internet, often broken down into smaller packets, which are reassembled by the browser when they arrive. - Rendering the Page
The browser takes the data and renders it on the screen, displaying the page as intended for the user.
This entire process, from entering a domain name to viewing the page, takes place in fractions of a second, making it possible to browse the internet seamlessly.
Final thoughts
The internet’s impact on modern life cannot be overstated, providing vast resources for learning, commerce, and communication. Domain names play an essential role in this digital ecosystem, making it easy for users to access the millions of websites available today.
As the internet expands, domain name options have also grown, allowing for diverse suffixes beyond the traditional .com, .org, and .net, such as .app, .shop and even .blog. These new domain options cater to a variety of industries and purposes, reflecting the web’s evolution and its increasingly central role in our lives.
