When it comes to websites, people often use URLs and domains interchangeably (and wrongly so). In this short guide, we’ll walk you through their differences and distinct uses.

What Is a URL?

URL or Uniform Resource Locator refers to a web address that is used to specify the location of a resource on the internet. For instance, Google’s URL is https://www.google.com/.

You can think of it as a string of characters that helps identify and locate a resource (e.g., a webpage, file, image, or any other type of resource really) on a network.

URLs are used by web browsers and other internet applications to retrieve and display web content.

In general, a URL has the following components:

  • Method/Protocol which helps retrieve the file from the server.
  • Host Name or domain name refers to the IP address of the server. It is the location of files or documents which we can read and understand easily.
  • Port is basically a protocol number that doubles as a communication endpoint.
  • Path refers to the location of a file on the server.

What Is a Domain Name?

A domain name is the primary address used to identify a website’s location on the internet. It’s a human-readable version of IP address so people can easily search and access a website. It’s also a key part of a URL and is generally used for branding purposes.

In terms of the composition, it is important to note that the components of a domain name are separated by dots or periods.

An example of a domain name would be www.crazydomains.com.au. You can divide the domain name into the following segments:

  • The type of server that represents the web server in the example above would be the World Wide Web or WWW as it is popularly known.
  • Host Name refers to the main name of the domain (Google or Crazy Domains, for instance).
  • The top-level domain is the last part of the domain name that you commonly see as .com, .au, .in, and so on.

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URL vs Domain: Common Differences You Should Know About

Here are the essential differences between URLs and domains to help you distinguish one from the other:

URL vs Domain_ Common Differences You Should Know About

Register Your Ideal Domain with Crazy Domains

To summarise, URLs are detailed web addresses that you can use to access specific resources. On the other hand, domain names are user-friendly labels that help you locate websites and resources on the internet.

What you need to understand is that domain names are a key part of URLs that enable you to find and access web resources more easily.

If you want to pick a memorable and relevant online address for your website, we can help you. Find your domain at Crazy Domains today.