Domain names such as google.com, emailreputationapi.com, and wjgilmore.com are far easier to remember than the corresponding IP address which computers use to route communications from your web browser or email client to the corresponding servers. But it's not possible to register any domain name you want. There are rules that govern what constitutes a valid domain name. This tutorial explains what factors determine domain name validity, and how you can easily validate a domain name using EmailReputationAPI.com.
Components of a Domain Name
A valid domain is a unique and properly formatted address on the internet used to identify a specific website or online resource. It is composed of two main parts: the second-level domain (SLD) and the top-level domain (TLD).
- Second-Level Domain (SLD): This is the main part of the domain name, representing the specific name chosen by the owner of the website. For example, in the domain "example.com," "example" is the second-level domain.
- Top-Level Domain (TLD): This is the last part of the domain name, typically denoting the type or purpose of the website. Common TLDs include ".com," ".org," ".net," and country-specific TLDs like ".uk" for the United Kingdom or ".jp" for Japan.
Valid Domain Name Syntax
To be considered valid, a domain must adhere to these general rules:
- It should consist of letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens ("-").
- It must start and end with a letter or number.
- It cannot contain spaces or special characters (such as !, @, #, $, etc.).
- The domain name should not exceed 63 characters in length (excluding the TLD).
- The TLD should be an officially recognized and registered TLD. Examples of valid TLDs are ".com," ".org," ".net," ".edu," ".gov," ".uk," ".ca," ".jp," and more.
For example, the following are valid domain names:
- emailreputationapi.com
- xenon.io
- columbuszoo.org
- php.net
It's important to note that domain availability may vary, and some specific domain names might already be registered by other individuals or organizations. When choosing a domain name, it's recommended to use a reputable domain registrar or search tool to check for availability and ensure you're adhering to the rules for valid domain naming.
Is .email a Valid Domain?
.email is a valid top-level domain (TLD) for domain names on the internet. It is one of the many new TLDs that were introduced as part of the expansion of domain name options beyond the traditional ones like ".com," ".org," and ".net." The ".email" TLD is intended to be used for websites and email addresses related to email communication or services. Just like other valid TLDs, you can register a domain name with the ".email" extension through domain registrars that support it.
Is .con a Valid Domain?
As of the time of this tutorial's publication, .con is not a valid TLD. However, .com is a valid TLD, and it is likely that the person who registered the domain name you are trying to reach made a typo when entering the domain name.
Is .xyz a Valid Domain?
Believe it or not, .xyz is a valid TLD. It is one of the many new TLDs that were introduced as part of the expansion of domain name options beyond the traditional ones like ".com," ".org," and ".net." The ".xyz" TLD is intended to be used for websites and email addresses related to email communication or services. Just like other valid TLDs, you can register a domain name with the ".xyz" extension through domain registrars that support it.
How to Validate Emails and Domain Names More Effectively
As the above tutorial explains, it's not possible to determine whether a domain name is valid simply by looking at it. Not only are there syntax-related constraints, but the TLD must also be valid. EmailReputationAPI is a service that provides a simple API to validate domains and email addresses. It uses a combination of machine learning and an extensive database to determine whether a domain is valid, deliverable, and reputable. It also checks if the email address is a disposable email address, uses a personal email service such as Hotmail or Gmail, or goes to other irrelevant destination. Check out the documentation at https://www.emailreputationapi.com/docs to learn more.