Understanding WHOIS
What is WHOIS?
WHOIS is a query protocol that provides information about registered domain names. It shows who owns a domain, when it was registered, when it expires, and which registrar manages it.
Domain Lifecycle
Domains go through several stages: Active (normal operation), Grace Period (after expiry, can renew), Redemption(recovery possible with fee), and Pending Delete (about to be released).
ICANN, Registries & Registrars
ICANN oversees the domain system. Registries manage TLDs (like Verisign for .com). Registrars are companies where you buy domains (like GoDaddy, Namecheap).
WHOIS Privacy (GDPR)
Since GDPR (2018), most registrars hide personal data in WHOIS. You'll often see "REDACTED FOR PRIVACY" instead of owner details. Privacy protection services also mask this information.
EPP Status Codes
Status codes like clientTransferProhibited prevent unauthorized changes. "Client" statuses are set by registrars, "Server" statuses by registries. Theok status means no restrictions.
gTLD vs ccTLD
gTLDs (generic) are open to all: .com, .net, .org. ccTLDs (country-code) represent countries: .fr, .uk, .de. Some ccTLDs like .io and .ai are popular for tech companies.