A domain name is the name of the 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 codes for the websites, we use the Domain Name System (DNS), which is a massive collection of the IP addresses.
When you type the website’s name in the search engine, the DNS converts the website’s name 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 British Indian Ocean Territory. British Indian Ocean Territory is the region on the south of 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 for the United Kingdom, .jp 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 all over the world.
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. The domains names such as .io, .tehcnology, .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 is it 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 reason why people are preferring IO domain name. As this domain is readily available, users can buy this domain for their website.
Its resemblance with technical jargon
The word IO, apart from representing 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 reason also makes this domain choice popular among users as they do not have to worry about the 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 URL’s are easier to type and remember, thereby 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, being a generic name, does not increase the overall appeal of the website. If you want a unique name, consider this — portfol.io with IO domain. Thus, the IO domain can also be used for domain hacks.
So, are you planning to use 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
