If you have encountered a website ending in .dev, you might be interested in learning about this unique domain and who it is meant for.
The .DEV domain name is designed for professionals and technology organizations looking to showcase their projects and businesses online.
.dev was introduced in early 2019 and has become popular among numerous businesses and individuals globally. Wondering if it’s the right domain name for you? Check out my detailed article on the topic. Hope you find it helpful. Let’s dive in!
What does the .DEV domain represent?
The .DEV domain extension originates from the word “developer” and is a widely-used generic top-level domain globally. Over 350,000 .dev domains were registered by 2023 according to Wikipedia.
.dev is a common ending for site and email addresses, similar to .com and .org. This suffix helps identify the category of a website. For instance, a domain ending in .gov.br signifies that it is a government website.
A distinguishing feature of the .DEV domain is its target audience, which consists of professionals and organizations in the development and technology sectors.
Google Registry acquired the .DEV domain when ICANN permitted new generic extensions. It was made available for user registration in 2019, along with other extensions such as .app and .page. The .dev domain can now be registered through various domain registration companies.
The Registry has launched the .app.br and .dev.br extensions.
Who is the .DEV domain suitable for?
The .DEV domain can be utilized by a variety of professionals and businesses beyond just developers.
- Web development refers to the process of creating websites and web applications.
- Information Technology (IT)
- Software Development
- Mobile applications
- Game creation
- Cybersecurity – Security measures for digital systems
- Web design refers to the process of creating and organizing the visual layout of a website.
Many .dev domain names are used by tech companies to host websites providing detailed technical information about their tools and solutions, targeting developer users. For instance, React, a widely-used Javascript library for building user interfaces, can be accessed online at the react address. dev.
There are several important websites in the industry, such as amp.dev, a framework (AMP) for developers to create high-performance web solutions with a focus on user experience, and web.dev, a free Google initiative to educate and assist developers in enhancing web experiences.
.dev can be utilized by IT professionals and blogs with a focus on development, in addition to technology companies.
Domain categories should be understood in order to identify their key features and distinctions.
Advantages of the .DEV domain
With the wide range of internet extensions available, you might be questioning the value of registering a dot dev domain, especially since many businesses and professionals in the development field already have websites with different extensions.
Choosing a .DEV domain comes with certain advantages. Here are the key benefits:
Addresses are more easily accessible.
Traditional domain extensions like .com and .com.br are becoming more saturated, making it challenging to secure desirable addresses. In contrast, the newer .dev domain still has a wide selection of available names.
Registering a domain early increases the chances of obtaining a desirable name, similar to securing a sought-after email address when a service is first released. Trademarks are a separate consideration in this process.
Getting a brief address is simpler.
Using a unique extension like .DEV offers the benefit of having shorter and simpler website addresses due to the increased availability of domain names.
The term .dev can enhance the address, especially if it is integrated into the brand or business name. For instance, KingHost switched to king.host by using the .host domain. Similarly, a company with “dev” in its name could benefit from the .dev domain for a shorter address.
It is recognized as originating from the development sector.
By using a .DEV domain, people can easily identify the website’s area of focus just by seeing the address, whether it’s on Google search results or a business card.
Having a .dev address with his name clearly indicates that he is a professional in development, which is more challenging to convey with a .com address.
.dev domain comes with built-in security measures.
.DEV is secure by default, operating exclusively in the HTTPS protocol, which is considered safer than the previously common HTTP protocol. This encryption ensures that data exchanged between users and websites is protected from interception by unauthorized parties.
Most hosting providers offer a free solution for websites using the .DEV domain, requiring an SSL certificate for HTTPS operation.
Google’s security standard uses a predefined list of HSTS-enabled websites to ensure that access is only allowed through HTTPS. Websites with secure default domains, like .dev, are subject to this restriction, automatically redirecting users to HTTPS even if they enter the address with HTTP. Therefore, maintaining the site in a secure protocol is essential.
Google has introduced another initiative to enhance internet safety for users. Additionally, notable updates were implemented in the Chrome browser to identify insecure sites lacking SSL.
Who is eligible to register a .DEV domain?
.dev can be registered by individuals or companies by submitting contact details and paying a registration fee, which is valid for one year and can be renewed.
The condition is to use the HTTPS protocol when publishing a page or website on the .dev domain, which necessitates having an SSL certificate. This requirement is easily met as SSL is commonly provided free of charge by most companies, making it an uncomplicated issue to address.
What is the price of a .DEV domain?
Only a limited number of hosting companies in Brazil offer the option to register the .dev domain name. To compare prices, we will consider popular options such as Hostinger, Superdomains, and GoDaddy.
Hostinger currently offers the most affordable .dev domain registration compared to other companies.
- Hostinger offers the most affordable option at $73.99 per year.
- Superdomains cost $84.99 per year.
- GoDaddy costs R$ 101.06 per year.
The .dev domain was introduced in 2019 by Google Domains. Initially available for pre-registration from 19/02 at prices ranging from R$ 440 to R$ 39,730 plus R$ 50/year, it became available for general registration on 28/02 for R$ 50/year.
Where can I register a .DEV domain name?
At least twelve companies worldwide can register .dev domains, with Hostinger, GoDaddy, and Superdomains being the most popular choices. Google Domains, which was a good option, was acquired by Squarespace and now has a higher price of over R$ 150/year. The full list of companies is available on the Google Registry page.
Hostinger offers the most competitive pricing, with .dev registration costing R $ 73.99 for both the first year and subsequent renewals. Additionally, customers receive domain privacy protection and a free SSL certificate for the duration of the domain registration with the company.
Hostinger, an international company with a growing global presence, is recognized for its competitive prices and quality services, making it the top choice for affordable hosting options.
Visit the Hostinger domain registration page at this link.
GoDaddy is among the biggest domain registrars globally, offering benefits like free SSL in the first year and essential domain privacy protection. Despite having a higher price for .dev registrations compared to others, it is known for these advantages.
GoDaddy’s page for registering domains.
Superdomains is a Brazilian company that has been in business for over two decades, known for selling domains at discounted rates.
The registration cost for dev point is in line with the market average, priced at R$ 84.99 with a renewal cost of R$ 104.99. Superdomain provides added benefits, including complimentary SSL and domain privacy protection for the duration of the domain’s activation. Additionally, a free email account is included with the registered domain.
Visit the domain registration page for Superdomains here.
Is registering a .dev domain worth it?
The .DEV domain is an excellent choice for professionals and companies in the development field, offering security, shorter and more engaging URLs, and affordability starting at $75 per year.
When you register a .DEV domain, ensure to secure the address in widely used extensions like .com and .com.br to safeguard the name of others and guide users who may visit the site using these extensions.
A more affordable Brazilian option is the .dev.br extension, which can be registered through certain hosting companies and the Registry.br for R$40 per year.
Discover more by meeting these and other domain registration companies in this comparison!
Top image credit: vector design provided by Freepik. Originally published on 27/02/2019, this article was revised on 05/04/2024.
Published on 05/04/2024 and revised on 05/05/2025.
Tags associated with Google.
