What Is Unstoppable Domains?

Unstoppable Domains is a San Francisco-based company that provides a decentralized domain name system that connects Web2 to Web3 through blockchain domains. 

Users can create a blockchain-connected web address such as "coinbrain.crypto" that translates a cryptocurrency wallet’s addresses into a human-readable name that can connect with decentralized apps (dApps) and exchanges. 

Over 750,000 addresses have been minted to date. Unstoppable Domains allows for the creation of decentralized websites that can be uploaded to the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). It offers complete control over the domains created; when a user purchases a crypto domain through Unstoppable Domains, they own it perpetually instead of merely renting it. 

Unstoppable Domains are supported by Coinbase Wallet, MyEtherWallet, OpenSea, and over 50 other wallets, exchanges, and dApps.

How doesUnstoppable Domains work?

Unstoppable Domains is built on the Crypto Name Service (CNS), which uses Ethereum smart contracts to determine how blockchain domains are created and utilized. Every CNS domain is issued as an ERC-721 token, also known as a non-fungible token (NFT). CNS is composed of two smart contracts: the Registry contract and the Resolver contract: 

1. The Registry contract manages the minting of new crypto domains and subdomains and the ownership of domains. 
2. The Resolver contract is used for resolving domains and for storing domain records. 

Domains can be owned by external addresses and smart contracts, meaning blockchain domains can be managed by a multi-signature wallet or domain management shared by a group of administrators.

How to use Unstoppable Domains?

To use Unstoppable Domains, you first need to purchase a domain from their website or from a supported marketplace. 

Once you own a domain, you can link it to your cryptocurrency wallet address or website. You can also use it to receive cryptocurrency payments or create decentralized websites using Unstoppable Domains' decentralized storage. 

To access content on a website hosted on Unstoppable Domains, you can enter the domain name into a web browser that supports decentralised websites, such as Brave or Opera.

How to buy an Unstoppable Domain?

To buy Unstoppable Domains, you can follow these general steps:

1. Go to the Unstoppable Domains website and search for the domain name you want to buy.
2. Once you find a domain you want to buy, click on the "Buy" button and proceed to checkout.
3. Choose a payment method. Unstoppable Domains accepts payment in various cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others. You can also pay with a credit card or PayPal.
4. Enter your payment details and confirm the transaction.
5. Once the payment is confirmed, the domain will be assigned to your Ethereum address, and you can manage it using a compatible wallet or service.

Pros & Cons

Unstoppable Domains come with a range of benefits and drawbacks, each of which should be considered when deciding whether to use this technology. Let's take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of Unstoppable Domains.

Advantages

1. Decentralization: Unstoppable Domains are decentralized and provide the owner complete control over their domain name without relying on any central authority.
2. Censorship Resistance: Once a domain is registered on a blockchain, it cannot be censored or taken down by any centralized authority, making it a reliable tool for free speech.
3. Interoperability: Unstoppable Domains can be used across multiple blockchain networks, making it easy for users to transfer and use their domains on different platforms.
4. Security: The use of smart contracts and blockchain technology ensures that Unstoppable Domains are highly secure, with no possibility of domain hijacking or fraud.
5. Simplified Access: For cryptocurrency users, Unstoppable Domains provide a user-friendly way of accessing decentralized applications, removing the need to use complex wallet addresses.

Disadvantages

1. Limited Top-level Domains: Unstoppable Domains currently only support a limited number of top-level domains (TLDs), such as .crypto and .zil, and cannot support traditional TLDs like .com or .net.
2. Need for Blockchain: Unstoppable Domains can only be used with blockchain-based websites, so they cannot be used with traditional websites hosted on servers.
3. Limited Browser Support: Unstoppable Domains are currently supported only by a handful of browsers such as Brave or Opera. They don’t support popular browsers such as Chrome, Edge or Safari.
4. More Technical: The use of Unstoppable Domains requires some knowledge of blockchain technology, which can make it difficult for some users to adopt.
5. High Price: The cost of registering a domain can be relatively high compared to traditional domain registration services.

Conclusion

As the blockchain industry continues to develop, it's important to consider the role that Unstoppable Domains will play in the future of decentralized technology.

Will they continue to lead the way in creating decentralized domains, or will new competitors emerge to challenge their dominance?

Only time will tell how Unstoppable Domains and other blockchain-based technologies will evolve in the future.