.dev Domain Guide
The developer's domain extension
Overview
.dev is Google's TLD built for developers, programming projects, and development tools. Like .app, it requires HTTPS by default, providing built-in security for developer-focused sites.
Built for Developers
.dev speaks directly to the developer community. It's perfect for personal portfolios, open-source project documentation, developer tools, and programming blogs. Major companies including web.dev (Google), opensource.dev, and flutter.dev have adopted it, establishing .dev as a legitimate developer-focused extension.
Security by Default
Like .app, .dev is on the HSTS preload list — all connections must use HTTPS. For developers who value security best practices, .dev walks the talk. Every .dev site is secure by default, with no option to serve content over plain HTTP.
.dev vs .io for Developers
While .io is the startup TLD, .dev is specifically for developer-facing products and personal sites. .dev is also significantly cheaper than .io ($12-15/year vs $30-50/year). For developer portfolios, documentation sites, and programming tools, .dev is often the better and more affordable choice.
Advantages
- HTTPS required (security by default)
- Strong developer community association
- Affordable pricing ($12-15/year)
- Good name availability
- Google-backed infrastructure
Disadvantages
- Must configure SSL
- Narrow audience association
- Less brand recognition outside tech
Frequently Asked Questions
Should developers use .dev for their portfolio?
Yes, .dev is an excellent choice for developer portfolios. It immediately signals your technical identity and is well-recognized in the tech hiring community. Plus, it's affordable at $12-15/year.
Is .dev better than .io for developers?
.dev is typically better for developer-focused sites like portfolios and documentation. It's cheaper ($12-15/year vs $30-50/year for .io), more specific to the developer audience, and has built-in HTTPS security.
Best For
- Developer portfolios
- Programming projects
- Documentation sites
- Dev tools
- Tech blogs
Quick Details
- Registry
- Google Registry
- Year Introduced
- 2019
- Security
- HTTPS Required
- Est. Registrations
- 800K+
- Category
- Tech