# Glossary ## Domains A domain (or domain name) is a human-readable address traditionally used to access websites on the internet. However, with the rise of blockchain and web3, domains can also be used as human-readable identifiers for crypto wallet addresses without users having to memorize a complex string of alphanumerics. Example: * Domain Name: example.com * Resolves to IP Address: 192.0.2.1 * Resolves to wallet address: 0x742d35Cc6634C0532925a3b844Bc454e4438f44e Structure of a Domain Name: * Top-Level Domain (TLD): The extension at the end (e.g., .com, .org, .net, .gov). * Second-Level Domain (SLD): The main part of the domain (e.g., example in example.com). * Subdomain (Optional): A prefix added before the main domain (e.g., blog.example.com). Domains are purchased and registered through an ICANN-accredited registrar or website using reseller APIs provided by an ICANN-accredited registrar. Domains can be registered for 1 to 10 years at a time (which the exception of some ccTLDs such as .uk, .de, .ca which have different maximum registration periods). Domains can continue to be renewed indefinitely as long as registration fees are paid. Registrars are required to collect contacts details of the domain registrant to satisfy ICANN regulations. Contact info typically includes PII such as Full lName, Email Address, Phone Number and Mailing address. Most registrars offers free privacy protection so this contact information is redacted in public records such as WHOIS and RDAP. *** ## Registrants A registrant is the legal owner of a domain name. This can be an individual, business, or organization that registers and holds the rights to a domain. Registrant Responsibilities include: * Maintaining Ownership: The registrant must ensure the domain is renewed on time. * Updating Contact Information: Keeping registrant details accurate to avoid suspension. * Managing Domain Settings: Configuring DNS, email, website settings, and wallet mappings. * Transferring or Selling the Domain: The registrant has the right to transfer the domain to another owner or registrar. *** ## Registrars A registrar is a company accredited to sell, register, and manage domain names on behalf of individuals and businesses. Registrars act as intermediaries between registrants (domain owners) and registries (organizations that manage TLDs like .com or .org). Role of a Registrar: * Domain Registration: Allows users to search, purchase, and register domain names. * DNS Management: Provides tools to manage domain settings (e.g., pointing a domain to a website). * WHOIS & Privacy Protection: Maintains registrant details and offers privacy protection services. * Renewals & Transfers: Manages domain renewals, transfers between registrars, and expiration reminders. *** ## Registries A registry is the organization responsible for managing and maintaining a Top-Level Domain (TLD), such as .com, .org, or country-code TLDs like .uk or .ca. Role of a Registry: * Maintains the official database of all registered domains under its TLD. * Sets policies and pricing for domain registrations. * Provides the infrastructure for domain name resolution (translating domain names to IP addresses). * Works with registrars (like GoDaddy, Namecheap) to sell domains, but does not sell directly to consumers in most cases. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.doma.xyz/readme/domain-infrastructure-101/glossary.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.