Blockchain is essentially a public ledger that records transactions and other information that cannot be changed or hacked. Blockchain replicates and distributes data through a network of computers on the blockchain. People associate NFTs with gaming items, digital art, and other collectibles. However, when talking about NFT, people tend to overlook another category, which is the blockchain domain name that I will introduce to you today. A blockchain with the same domain name can work in any decentralized application, market or NFT wallet. , it is something that can be collected and used. Many investors want to know what a blockchain domain name means? Let the editor explain blockchain domain names in a simple way for everyone.

What does a blockchain domain name mean?

The blockchain domain is essentially a smart contract suite—software written on a public blockchain. This gives them many unique features and advantages over traditional domains. The history of the blockchain domain dates back to the early days of cryptocurrency. One of the earliest crypto platforms was called Namecoin, which was built to allow users to register their own domain names on Bitcoin. However, before the advent of smart contracts, the functionality of this platform was limited. In today’s world, with smart contracts and the ability to express complex relationships, the potential of the blockchain space is even more exciting.

The blockchain domain is not stored on the server. They are kept in a public registry, on a publicly accessible blockchain. This means anyone can view the records, providing impressive openness and transparency. Best of all, users benefit from enhanced security - each user has permission to make updates to their domain name, which minimizes concerns about the server being hacked or the domain name being stolen.

The concept of blockchain domain name

The domain names we currently use generally refer to traditional domain names such as com, net, cn, etc. that use the DNS (Domain Name System) domain name system; while the "blockchain domain name" does not use the DNS domain name system, but It uses the Ethereum domain name system ENS, the decentralized account system DAS, the decentralized domain name protocol FIO and other blockchain decentralized domain name systems, such as .eth, .crypto, .wallet, .coin, .888, .x, etc. domain name.

To put it simply, a "blockchain domain name" is a domain name that is written into a distributed ledger and maintained by a group of computers instead of being stored in a traditional centralized registry.

Application of blockchain domain names

The blockchain domain name system is as connected and convenient as the traditional domain name system, but the current scenario-based application and future scope of application of the blockchain domain name is narrow;

Let’s first briefly analyze the domain name applications that ENS, Unstoppable Domains and BitDNS proposed and built the domain name system.

①ENS

ENS is the abbreviation of Ethereum Name Service. To a certain extent, ENS and DNS are very similar in positioning and have almost the same functions, except that DNS resolves domain names into IP addresses, while ENS resolves . The eth domain name is resolved to the Ethereum address;

Different from DNS, ENS is more decentralized. However, due to the capabilities and limitations of the Ethereum public chain, ENS is architecturally different from DNS, and the application of ENS domain names is currently limited to "Ethereum" ”In.

②Unstoppable Domains

Unstoppable Domains offers users the opportunity to host sites on the Ethereum and Zilliqua blockchains and allows users to link any cryptocurrency address to their domain name, enabling cryptocurrency payments solely by using the domain name.

Unstoppable Domain can also provide users with services to build censorship-resistant websites, and domain name registration is lifelong and does not need to be renewed. Domain name ownership can be transferred without an escrow agent, but its main role currently seems to be for cryptocurrency transfers and Payment.

③BitDNS

Different from the infrastructure of traditional domain name services, BitDNS’s smart contracts can replace the roles and processes of most registration agencies;

Compared with ENS and Unstoppable Domains, BitDNS realizes the function of connecting the traditional information Internet and the blockchain value network, supporting traditional domain name resolution, user identity authentication, decentralized encrypted mailbox, decentralized edge computing, decentralization Scenario-based landing applications such as DApp stores.

Characteristics of blockchain domain names

Blockchain domains differ from regular traditional domains in several important ways. As mentioned above, the blockchain domain is more open and secure due to the transparent and decentralized nature of blockchain technology. Most importantly, they provide more functionality to the end user. You can build programs on top of your domains and run them like applications, inspect existing domains for records, and build software that interacts with them.

Traditional domains are often one-dimensional and serve a few narrow purposes, whereas blockchain domains have a much larger scope for interaction and tinkering. In addition to the benefits we have already mentioned (openness, security and increased functionality), there are some other more specific reasons to use blockchain domains today.

One is the ability to send cryptocurrency more easily. A blockchain domain can be used as a named registry for crypto addresses, making the process of sending and receiving crypto more user-friendly than it would be without a blockchain domain.

Another major advantage of blockchain domains is the ability to build decentralized websites. For example, you can point your blockchain domain name to a website on a peer-to-peer hosting platform such as IPFS. You can also connect your domain to social media accounts to verify your identity and set up things like email and chat protocols associated with your domain.

The blockchain domain exists on a decentralized network. Currently, the blockchain domain is mainly used by cryptocurrency users and blockchain enthusiasts who want to be the first to use the technology and reap its advantages when sharing cryptocurrencies. People who are active and well-known in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space are also getting domain names, just like any famous person in the off-chain world would like to have their own traditional .com domain name. There are also many people who use the blockchain space simply to learn about the space and engage with decentralized technology in a more practical way. Unlike traditional domain names, there are no renewal fees.

The above is what does a blockchain domain name mean? A detailed explanation of the concept/application and characteristics of a blockchain domain name. For more information about the detailed introduction of blockchain domain names, please pay attention to other related articles of Script House!