Using your .dev

What is a .dev domain good for?

A .dev suits developer and tech projects. Google Registry calls .dev "a secure domain for developers and technology" and names tools, platforms, programming languages, blogs and documentation. Claim the same name on GitHub and npm; rules and prices are on the .dev checker.^{[1, 2]}

How do you set up HTTPS on a .dev?

Let your host turn it on, or run a certificate client on your own server. Let's Encrypt certificates are free.

Sources ^{[1, 4, 5]}

Does email on a .dev need anything special?

No. The HTTPS rule covers websites, so set up email as on any domain. Gmail requires SPF or DKIM from every sender, and SPF, DKIM and DMARC from anyone sending over 5,000 messages a day.^{[1, 6]}

What does a .dev cost after the first year?

$12.87 a year at Porkbun, after $8.75 the first year. Premium names carry a higher yearly fee, which your registrar shows before you buy. Compare endings by renewal price.^{[3, 7]}

Can you run a local or staging site on .dev over plain HTTP?

No. Browsers apply the HTTPS rule to every .dev name and all its subdomains, including internal ones that aren't public. Staging and test sites need certificates too.^{[1, 5]}

Is there a discount on a first .dev?

Yes, for one year. Google Registry offers a discount code on standard-price names through two partners, Porkbun and Encirca. Premium names are left out. Students can also get one through Name.com's offer in the GitHub Student Developer Pack.^{[8, 11]}

Does a .dev rank worse on Google than a .com?

No. In 2015, Google said its systems treat new endings like .com and .org, and that keywords in an ending give no advantage or disadvantage. It treats .dev as generic, not tied to a country. For search and AI steps, see Using your .com; they work the same on a .dev.^{[9, 10]}