.dev Domain Guide
Developer
A newer gTLD operated by Google, specifically designed for developers and development-related websites. Requires HTTPS, which is enforced at the registry level.
Price
$12-18/year
Trust Level
High
Popularity
Growing
Type
gTLD
History
The .dev TLD was introduced by Google in 2019 after they acquired it through ICANN's new gTLD program. Before public availability, Google used .dev internally (chrome.dev, etc.). When opened to the public, .dev quickly attracted developers and tech companies. The mandatory HTTPS requirement was innovative, making .dev domains secure by default. Google's backing and the clear developer focus have helped .dev gain rapid adoption.
Best For
Who Should Use .dev
- Individual developers for portfolios
- Open source project documentation
- Developer-focused companies
- Technical blogs and resources
- API documentation sites
- Developer tools and utilities
Who Should Avoid .dev
- Non-technical businesses
- Companies without HTTPS infrastructure
- Sites that can't easily implement HTTPS
- Mainstream consumer products
Pros
- Clear developer focus
- HTTPS required (more secure by default)
- Good availability
- Reasonably priced
- Backed by Google
Cons
- HTTPS requirement may complicate initial setup
- Best suited for developer-related content
- Newer, so less established than .com or .io
Technical Details
| Registry | Google Registry |
| Restrictions | HTTPS required (HSTS preloaded) |
| Length | 1-63 characters |
| IDN Support | Yes |
| DNSSEC | Supported |
| Privacy Protection | Available |
SEO Impact
Neutral with potential minor HTTPS benefit. The mandatory HTTPS aligns with Google's preference for secure sites. No special ranking treatment for developer content.
Registration Tips
Have SSL/HTTPS ready before launching your site
Many hosting platforms now provide free SSL certificates
Check if your hosting provider supports automatic HTTPS
Use platforms like Vercel, Netlify, or GitHub Pages that handle HTTPS
Compare registrar pricing - .dev has competitive options
Complete Guide
The Complete Guide to .dev Domains
The .dev TLD is purpose-built for developers. With Google's backing and mandatory HTTPS, it's become a go-to choice for developer portfolios, documentation, and technical projects.
Understanding the HTTPS Requirement
What It Means: .dev domains are HSTS preloaded in major browsers:
- Browsers will only connect via HTTPS
- HTTP connections are automatically upgraded
- Cannot serve HTTP-only content
Why This Matters:
- Security by default
- No "mixed content" warnings
- Better user trust
- Aligns with modern web standards
Implementation: Getting HTTPS is easier than ever:
- Free certificates from Let's Encrypt
- Automatic HTTPS on Vercel, Netlify, GitHub Pages
- Most hosting providers include SSL
- Cloudflare offers free SSL
.dev for Different Use Cases
Personal Developer Portfolio: .dev is perfect for showing off your work:
- firstname.dev (e.g., john.dev)
- username.dev (e.g., jsmith.dev)
- Clean, professional, developer-focused
Project Documentation: Many open source projects use .dev:
- Clear developer audience signal
- Works well with docs-as-code workflows
- Technical credibility built-in
Developer Tools and APIs: SaaS companies use .dev for developer resources:
- api.yourproduct.dev
- docs.yourproduct.dev
- developer.yourproduct.dev
.dev vs Other Developer TLDs
Compared to .io:
- .dev is cheaper ($12-18 vs $30-50)
- .io has broader tech recognition
- .dev has mandatory security
- .io works for non-dev tech companies
Compared to .com:
- .dev immediately signals technical focus
- .com has broader recognition
- .dev has better availability
- Use .dev for dev audience, .com for mainstream
Building Your Developer Brand on .dev
Portfolio Best Practices:
- Keep the design clean and technical
- Showcase your best projects
- Include GitHub and other profiles
- Make contact information accessible
Domain Naming Strategies:
- yourname.dev - Personal brand
- projectname.dev - Open source project
- companyname.dev - Developer-focused company
Technical Setup
Quick Start:
- Register your .dev domain
- Set up hosting with automatic HTTPS
- Configure DNS
- Deploy your content
Recommended Hosting: Platforms with automatic HTTPS:
- Vercel (free tier available)
- Netlify (free tier available)
- GitHub Pages (free for public repos)
- Cloudflare Pages (free tier available)
Popular .dev Domains
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use .dev without HTTPS?
No. .dev domains are HSTS preloaded in browsers, meaning HTTPS is mandatory. The browser will refuse to connect over HTTP. You must have a valid SSL certificate.
Is .dev only for software developers?
While designed for developers, there are no restrictions on who can register. However, non-developer uses won't benefit from the developer association that makes .dev valuable.
How does .dev compare to .io for developer portfolios?
.dev is cheaper, has mandatory HTTPS, and is more explicitly developer-focused. .io has broader tech recognition but is more expensive. Both are professional choices.
Does Google give .dev domains SEO advantages?
No, Google doesn't favor its own TLDs in search rankings. The HTTPS requirement may provide minor indirect benefits since Google prefers secure sites, but there's no direct ranking boost.
Alternative TLDs to Consider
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