SEO Glossary: dev domain

 

Generic and professional domain extension

".dev" is a generic, i.e. a descriptive ending in a domain name. A domain with this ending is referred to as a top-level domain (TLD). Because .dev is always at the end of the web address, it is the highest level (top level) of the name resolution of a URL. This is how the designation as a TLD comes about.

The dev ending creates an industry reference, as "dev" is the abbreviation for "development" or "developer". In German, these terms mean "development" and "developer" respectively. With both terms, the dev domain thus signals a connection to the IT industry. Websites with the dev extension are usually development-related or technical in nature.

• For example, IT developers can use a dev domain to present their services.
• The dev extension is also included in the domain names of well-known IT communities such as GitHub and Grow.
• Due to the IT security associated with a dev extension and the presumed professionalism of the domain holder, the dev domain is also suitable for institutions.

The trend in search engine optimization (SEO) is partly moving towards the use of speaking URLs. This refers to web addresses that describe the content of websites and make it easier for search engine bots to crawl the pages. The principle is similar for the dev domain. This is because the generic top-level domain ending in .dev immediately reveals the subject area of the entire website.

One uses in online marketing in recent years, more and more diverse endings are being used for domain names. Standard endings such as .de, .com and .net are now not necessarily the first choice for web projects and companies. Instead, endings with an industry or topic reference are increasingly being used in domain names.

Particularly in the IT sector, where security-related services are offered and complex systems are built, among other things, the dev domain is an increasingly popular option to show professionalism to website visitors straight away.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of the dev domain

Google provides on its Google Registry website under this link the dev domain. Google lists the following advantages of the dev domain:

• Uniqueness: The dev extension gives developers a unique feature in the domain name. The extension was created especially for developers.
• Security: dev domains are secure thanks to the mandatory SSL certificate. SSL encryption does not require an individual HSTS registration for a dev domain.
• Community: Websites with a dev extension in the domain name are an excellent way to present your own projects to other developers.

In addition to the advantages listed at Google Registry, the dev domain has the advantage of being much easier to manage. Thanks to the possibility of administration via the Google Domains dashboard, domain owners have an easier job maintaining their website than with domains with other endings.

It should be emphasized that a dev domain only makes sense for domain owners from the IT sector. Webmasters from other industries or subject areas will not be able to take advantage of this TLD.

However, developers and other players in the IT industry also have certain disadvantages when using the dev domain. One of the disadvantages for developers is the higher fee for registering and using the domain compared to conventional domains (.com, .de etc.).

Well-known providers such as IONOS and STRATO sell the dev extension and charge a monthly fee that can range from 10 to 30 euros. This is significantly higher than the fee for a domain with a different extension.

In addition, the registration of a dev domain is more complicated in relation to conventional domains. To successfully complete the registration, webmasters must fill out a registration form and send it to the registrar. The registrars in the case of the dev domain are the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and Google Registry.

 

 

Notes and application examples

Some providers of the dev domain offer a lower fee in the first year of use. From the second year onwards, however, the prices for the domain increase. Webmasters should register their dev domain with a provider that offers the lowest prices over a long-term period.

It should also be noted that a dev domain will be automatically renewed with continued fees if the usage contract is not terminated within the agreed notice period.

Examples of applications for dev domains are websites of IT companies that want to present their company and services. Furthermore, the dev domain can be used for temporary IT projects over a limited registration period. Test versions of web programming can also be run via domains with the dev extension.

 

Conclusion: What is a dev domain?

The dev domain is a generic top-level domain (TLD) that shows website visitors the professionalism, security and connection to the IT sector. Owners of a domain with a dev extension should always be developers or other players from the IT sector. Because only they can take full advantage of a dev domain.

Even though a dev domain has a strong representative effect on website visitors and is also easy to manage via the Google domain dashboard, it should be borne in mind that the registration and use of this TLD entails a comparatively high fee.

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