What is the role of a domain name?

The role of a domain name is to provide a human-readable address for accessing websites. When a user wants to visit a website, they typically enter a domain name, such as www.example.com, into a browser. This domain name is translated into an IP address by the Domain Name System (DNS), allowing the browser to locate the appropriate server where the website’s content is stored.

This process simplifies the experience for users, as it is much easier to remember a name like "example.com" than a long string of numbers that represents the website's IP address. This functionality is essential for navigation on the internet, as it connects user-friendly web addresses with specific resources.

Other options do not accurately represent the primary function of a domain name. Providing cloud storage refers to the capability of storing data online, which is unrelated to the address system that domain names facilitate. Optimizing web content pertains to enhancing websites for search engines or user experience, which is a separate discipline. Finally, hosting online applications involves providing the server space and infrastructure to run applications, again unrelated to the primary purpose of a domain name as a navigational tool.