Domain Name vs. URL (The Anatomy of a Web Address)
When browsing the web, people often use the terms Domain Name and URL interchangeably. While they are related, they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference helps with domains, emails, SSL certificates, and SEO.
1. What Is a Domain Name?
A Domain Name is the human-friendly name people type into a browser to find your website. It exists because humans remember words far more easily than long numerical IP addresses.
Think of it as: Your home’s unique name (like “The White House”).
- Example: jiinubi.com
2. What Is a URL?
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete web address used to locate a specific page, file, or resource on the internet. A URL always contains a domain name, plus additional information that tells the browser exactly what to load.
Think of it as: Full directions to a specific room inside your house.
- Example: https://jiinubi.com/hosting/shared-hosting.php
3. Breaking Down the Anatomy of a URL
Let’s break down a full URL:
https://www.jiinubi.com/blog/article-1
| Component | Part of the URL | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | https:// | Defines how the browser communicates (HTTPS = secure). |
| Subdomain | www. | Optional prefix pointing to a specific service or section. |
| Domain Name | jiinubi | Your unique brand or identity. |
| TLD (Extension) | .com | Top-Level Domain (e.g., .net, .org, .ke). |
| Path | /blog/article-1 | The exact page or file being accessed. |
4. Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Domain Name | URL |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A name / identity | A complete address |
| Structure | Name + Extension | Protocol + Domain + Path |
| Uniqueness | One domain can have many URLs | Each URL points to a specific resource |
| Example | google.com | https://google.com/maps |
5. Why Does the Difference Matter?
- Email: Email addresses use only the domain (e.g., info@jiinubi.com), not full URLs.
- SSL Certificates: SSL certificates are issued to domains and protect all URLs under them.
- Marketing: You share the domain verbally, but use URLs to link customers to specific pages or products.
