What is an Email Domain?
An email domain is the digital address that follows the “@” symbol in an email address. It functions like a virtual mailbox identifier, directing incoming emails to the correct recipient’s server.
Here’s a technical breakdown:
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Structure:
An email domain consists of alphanumeric characters separated by periods. For example, “gmail.com” or “company.org“. The rightmost portion, like “.com” or “.net”, is called the Top-Level Domain (TLD) and indicates the domain’s general purpose (commercial, educational, etc.).
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Function:
Email servers use the domain to locate the specific server responsible for managing that email address. It’s analogous to a mail sorting facility that recognizes the domain on an envelope and directs it to the appropriate post office for final delivery.
Types of Email Domains:
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.com:
Commercial organizations
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.org:
Non-profit organizations
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.edu:
Educational institutions
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.gov:
Government agencies