A Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) is a category of top-level domain (TLD) within the Domain Name System (DNS) that is used to categorize and classify websites based on their general purpose or type. Unlike country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) that are associated with specific countries or territories, gTLDs are more generic and have a broader scope.
There are two main types of gTLDs:
Standard gTLDs: These are the original and most common types of gTLDs. Some of the well-known standard gTLDs include:
- “.com” (commercial) – Originally intended for commercial organizations but now widely used by various types of websites.
- “.org” (organization) – Originally intended for non-profit organizations, but its use has expanded.
- “.net” (network) – Originally intended for network-related entities, such as internet service providers.
New gTLDs: In recent years, there has been an expansion of gTLDs to include a wide range of more specific and creative options. Some examples of new gTLDs include:
- “.app” – Intended for mobile apps and software.
- “.blog” – Intended for blogs and online journals.
- “.guru” – Intended for experts or professionals.
- “.photography” – Intended for photography-related websites.
- “.shop” – Intended for online stores.
The introduction of new gTLDs has provided businesses and individuals with more options for domain name registration, allowing them to choose a domain extension that aligns with their brand, industry, or niche.
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is responsible for overseeing the domain name system, including the introduction and management of gTLDs. The process for introducing new gTLDs involves a careful evaluation, application, and approval process to ensure that the new extensions meet specific criteria and do not conflict with existing domains.
Overall, gTLDs play a crucial role in organizing and categorizing websites on the internet, making it easier for users to identify the purpose and content of a website based on its domain extension.