Where did domain extensions come from?
Domain extensions were also created alongside DNS in an effort to organize domains into logical categories. These extensions were also called top-level domains (TLDs). When launched, each TLD option served a specific purpose. While this is still somewhat true today, the rules regarding who can register a specific domain extension is not even close to as strict as how it used to be. There were 7 domain extensions that were launched in 1985. These TLDs were:
.com – The .com TLD was intended only for commercial-based websites. .com has since grown into the most popular TLD option, and the competition isn’t even close!
.edu. – Designed for US education institutions
.gov – Used by United States government agencies
.mil – Designed for United States military entities
.net – Originally intended for sites referencing internet information
.org – A non-restricted TLD that is an abbreviation for “organization”
.int – Launched specifically for intergovernmental organizations and international treaties
Location Specific Domain Extensions
Those first 7 domain extensions were also commonly known as gTLDs, or generic top-level domains. Sites within a gTLD are intended to cover the same topic or category. ccTLDs, or country code tep-level domains, is another classification of TLDs. ccTLDs were launched with the intent of classifying websites based on their geographical location. Much like how gTLD restrictions are no longer enforced or regulated, ccTLD registrants are widely no longer location restricted. However, this is not the case for all country-specific domain extensions. The first available ccTLDs were:
.us – United States-based sites
.uk – United Kingdom-based sites
.il – Israel-based sites
Shortly after the first 3 ccTLDs were introduced, a number of other options were launched. These ccTLds were:
.au – Australia-based sites
.de – Germany-based sites
.fi – Finland-based sites
.fr – France-based sites
.jp – Japan-based sites
.kr – Republic of Korea-based sites
.nl – Netherland-based sites
.se – Sweden-based sites