A domain name is the name of a website that is understandable to humans. Computers, as you are well aware, understand only in numbers. These numbers are the website’s corresponding IP addresses. Usually, the IP address of the website is a combination of numbers and dots. We humans, however, are poor in remembering even small numbers like historical date, let alone remembering large numbers. So, to save us from the hassles of remembering large numerical code for the websites, we use the Domain Name System (DNS), a massive collection of IP addresses.
When you type the website’s name in the search engine, the DNS converts it into its corresponding IP address and then displays the website on your screen.
What is an IO domain?
An IO domain name is a country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) for the British Indian Ocean Territory. British Indian Ocean Territory is south of the Indian Ocean and includes the Chagos archipelago.
ccTLDs, as the name suggests, are the country-specific Top Level Domain (TLD). For example, .in is for India, .uk is for the United Kingdom, .jp is for Japan, and so on. Mostly, these domains require you to register from that specific country, but some of the ccTLDs, like .io or .tv (Tuvalu), can be used worldwide.
Several other domain names are more generic, such as .com or .org. But, since these are generic, you might not get these domain names for your website. Domain names such as .io, .tehcnology, and .today, among others, are not so common and can still be used. Moreover, these domain names also contribute to the brand of the website.
Also read: What is DNS cache poisoning? How to protect your PC?
Why is the IO domain so much in use?
Now that you have understood what an IO domain name is, let us now focus our discussion on why it is used. There are several reasons for the growing popularity of the .io domain name. Some of the reasons are discussed below.
Availability factor
As we have discussed above, the availability of a domain name is one of the primary reasons why people prefer an IO domain name. As this domain is readily available, users can buy it for their website.
Its resemblance with technical jargon
The word IO, apart from representing the British Indian Ocean Territory, also represents the Input/Output function of the computer. Therefore, this domain is used by the tech community, especially the gaming industry
Worldwide applicability
Since Google treats this domain not as ccTLD but as a Generic Country Code Top Level Domains (gccTLD), this domain can be purchased in any country. This also makes this domain choice popular among users as they do not have to worry about geo-targeting. Geo-targeting restricts the website’s reach to a particular geographic area.
A shorter URL
Using the IO domain makes the URL shorter. Short URLs are easier to type and remember, increasing the website’s recognition.
Can be used in Domain hack
Domain hacks can create a unique domain name. For example, consider a website portfolio.com. Here, .com is the domain name. However, .com, a generic name, does not increase the website’s overall appeal. Consider this — portfol.io with IO domain if you want a unique name. Thus, the IO domain can also be used for domain hacks.
So, are you planning to use the IO domain name for your website? Do mention your reasons in the comment section below.
Also read: Top 5 websites to help you type upside down and backwards
Drawbacks of IO domain
Now that we have understood the potential of the IO domain let us also take a look at a few drawbacks:
- What was the last website you saw with a .io domain name? This is because the IO domain is still not well-recognised by businesses. The same goes for customers. Not all customers trust other domain names such as this one. Usually, they still go for .com websites.
- This domain is controlled and managed by the Internet Computer Bureau Ltd. It is a company registered in the United Kingdom. As a private company, it is not accountable to the public and may end up in legal difficulties, technical glitches, and other disruptions that may be hidden from the public.
- Some people may consider this domain name to be ethically or morally wrong. This domain is registered to the British Indian Ocean Territory, which has a history of colonialism and forceful eviction of the native population to build a US base. Although far-fetched, this reason can be important for some.
Alternatives to IO domain
Given the drawbacks of the IO domain, you should consider these alternatives:
- .com: The traditional and widely used domain name is still considered the best and most suitable for any website.
- .net: It is the second most popular domain name and is used by many websites.
- .co: Another generic domain name used widely by startups.
- .ai: In this age of artificial intelligence, the .ai domain name can be of tremendous use if you want to start a website related to this field.
- .dev: Short for development, this domain name is quite popular among software developers.
- .tech: Short for technology, this catchy domain name can also be helpful for technology start-ups or publishing houses focused on reporting tech.
- .app: Short for application, you can use this domain name if you are planning to launch an app.
Also read: What is a .ciso file?
