Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is one of the most widely adopted projects within the Ethereum ecosystem, and for good reason. As described by the service, ENS offers a secure and decentralized method to address resources both on and off the blockchain using simple, human-readable names.
In essence, you can assign a name to an Ethereum (or other compatible chain) address. This concept is similar to how the traditional web uses DNS. Instead of typing long strings of numbers or hash values, users can rely on memorable names.
Registering a .eth Domain
The central feature of ENS is the ability to register a .eth domain. There are several key guidelines to keep in mind during registration:
- The minimum domain length is 3 characters.
Annual renewal fees apply:
- 3 characters: $640 per year
- 4 characters: $160 per year
- 5+ characters: $5 per year
- Emoji characters are supported.
Creating and Managing Your Domain
Registering a domain through the official ENS platform is a simple process. Begin by searching for your desired ENS name. If it's available, you can proceed with registration. If it's already taken, you may search for it on secondary marketplaces to purchase it.
Click the “Request to Register” button to initiate a transaction. After waiting for about a minute, you can finalize the registration. Once registered, you gain access to a variety of management features.
Here’s what you can control within your domain management panel:
- Registrant: The address that holds administrative control and can transfer ownership of the ENS domain.
- Controller: An address designated with management permissions; defaults to the registrant.
- Expiration Date: The renewal due date for the domain; you can also pay fees directly here.
- Resolver: Handles the resolution of records tied to the domain, such as connected Ethereum addresses. The public resolver is usually the default.
- Records: Here you can associate various resources, like wallet addresses or IPFS content hashes, with your domain.
Once you set an Ethereum address in the record field, wallets like MetaMask will recognize and resolve the domain name. If you point it to an IPFS hash, you can access the content via dedicated gateways.
Working with Subdomains
Subdomains offer significant flexibility for organizing and expanding your digital identity on Ethereum. You can create subdomains for personal use or even allow others to claim subdomains under your primary domain.
Creating and Managing Subdomains
If you own a .eth domain, you can easily create subdomains via the ENS application. Click the “Subdomain” button to add new subdomains. Once set up, these subdomains function similarly to primary domains—you can manage their records and permissions.
For example, a subdomain like web.devpoint.eth can resolve to a specific address or an IPFS-hosted website.
Allowing Public Subdomain Claims
You can also configure your domain to allow anyone to claim a subdomain. This involves transferring some control to a specialized smart contract, enabling permissionless subdomain registrations—even at a set price.
Important: This process is irreversible. You will permanently relinquish certain controls over your domain, though you can still earn fees from subdomain registrations.
Follow these steps to configure public subdomain registration:
- Interact with the ENS subdomain registrar contract via a platform like Etherscan.
- Locate and use the
approvefunction. - Enter the relevant contract address and token ID (label hash of your domain).
- Submit the transaction.
- Use the
configureDomainfunction to set a price (in wei) for subdomain claims. - Specify any referral fee, if applicable.
Once completed, your domain will be open for public subdomain registration.
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Listing Subdomains on ENSNow
ENSNow is a platform where users can discover and claim available subdomains. To list your domain there:
- Fork the subdomain registrar repository on GitHub.
- Navigate to the domains.json file.
- Add your domain entry in alphabetical order.
- Submit a pull request to the original repository.
Hosting Your Own Subdomain Platform
If you prefer a customized, branded experience for your subdomain offerings, you can host your own subdomain registration site. The process involves:
- Installing necessary development tools like Node.js and Truffle.
- Cloning the subdomain registrar repository.
- Modifying the domain whitelist and front-end files.
- Building and deploying the site to a web server or IPFS.
By hosting your own platform, you maintain full control over the user experience and branding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ENS domain?
An ENS domain is a human-readable name that maps to blockchain addresses or off-chain resources. It simplifies transactions and interactions across the Ethereum ecosystem.
How much does it cost to register an ENS domain?
Costs vary based on domain length. Three-character domains cost $640 per year, four-character domains are $160, and domains with five or more characters cost $5 annually.
Can I transfer my ENS domain to another person?
Yes, the registrant (owner) of an ENS domain can transfer it to another address via the management panel.
What can I use ENS domains for?
ENS domains can point to wallet addresses, websites stored on IPFS, or other smart contracts. They enhance usability and reduce errors when sending crypto transactions.
Are subdomains customizable?
Yes, subdomains can be configured with their own records and permissions, making them ideal for organizing projects, teams, or services.
Is it possible to host a decentralized website with ENS?
Absolutely. By linking your domain to an IPFS hash, you can host a fully decentralized website accessible via ENS-specific gateways.
ENS domains bring enhanced usability and identity management to the decentralized world. Whether for personal use or broader applications, understanding how to register, manage, and leverage subdomains empowers users to fully utilize the potential of blockchain naming systems.