Register, Registrar, Registrant, Registry.. What does it all mean?

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These are terms you've probably heard used, when talking about domains. But what do they mean? What's the difference? Although they sound similar, they refer to very different things. When talking about domains or reading articles about domains, these terms will often be used, so it is important that you understand what they each mean.
Registry - is a database of all domain names registered in a TLD (top-level domain) namespace. It also refers to the authority in charge of this TLD namespace. They fall between ICANN (the top internet authority) and registrars (who allow the public to buy domain names) in the domain hierarchy.
For example, VeriSign is the registry in charge of all managing .com and .net domain names.

Registrar - is the orgnaization or company that sells domain names to the end-user. They must be accredited by ICANN to become a registrar.

Register
- is the process of registering the domain with a registrar.

Registrant - is the person who owns the domain. Namely, the person and contact details that appear on the whois information.

So, next time someone starts "talking domains", now you'll know what they are talking about...

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