Domain
A domain is a named part of the DNS namespace. The name does not create a website; hosting, email and the application still need to be connected.
What is a domain?
A domain is a named part of the DNS namespace. Its domain name consists of ordered parts, usually written with dots between them. The IETF explains these names and their hierarchical structure. In website operations, “domain” is often also used for that name.
Example: a name for several services
A fictional company uses studio.example as its naming base and portal.studio.example for its customer portal. The name itself contains neither the portal software nor its project files. DNS records, hosting and the application are configured separately.
The complete address https://portal.studio.example/hilfe also contains the connection scheme and a path within the application. It is therefore more than the domain name. All names and the address in this example are placeholders.
During a handover, the company should clarify who manages names and DNS and who operates the connected services. Changing domain administration does not automatically transfer website files, mailboxes or application data.
Sources
Related terms
- Domain Name SystemDNS supplies data about names, such as a web server’s address. Name resolution, the server connection and application behaviour are separate steps.
- SubdomainA subdomain sits within a parent DNS namespace. It can name a service; its administration and security still need to be planned.
- Return-PathReturn-Path records the SMTP reverse path in a header. It explains the technical route for error reports, not a person’s identity.
- Envelope-FromEnvelope-From identifies the SMTP sender for transport and error feedback. It must be distinguished from the visible sender address.
- DMARC aggregate reportA DMARC aggregate report summarises a reporting mail system’s domain checks over a period. It helps examine sending sources and misconfigurations.
- DMARC policyA DMARC policy describes the requested handling of failed domain checks. It repairs neither sending sources nor their alignment.
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