What a domain name isn't, and why
Misconceptions about what a domain name is
An Internet domain name isn't any of the things mentioned below. However, improper usage of the term or improper reference to a domain name often indicates that someone is struggling to properly describe some web resource that is somehow related to a domain name. Most techies will politely attempt to clarify with something like, "Do you mean....?"
An Internet domain name is not a web site.
Although domain names are most often used to point to name servers for web sites, they can also serve other, non web site purposes. A domain name will still point to a name server, but the function of the server at the end of the data path could be much different than a web site, such as:
- Dedicated use of a domain name for accessing an Email server which does not also have a web site sharing the same domain name
- Dedicated use for an FTP server which could have neither a web site or an Email server associated with it
An Internet domain name is not a data base
Web site scripts can link to a data base, and the web site scripts [web pages] can then also be used as an interface to the database. This can be done with or without a domain name.
It's not a Blog, either
A blog is really just a web site, usually with enough simplicity so that the user doesn't need to understand web site coding. Popular blogging software uses a database and scripts to maintain your configuration setup and customization, blog entries and blog responses.