Where does the Domain Name System (DNS) namespace begin?

The Domain Name System (DNS) namespace begins at the root domains. The DNS structure is hierarchical, starting from the root, which is represented by a dot (.) at the very top of the hierarchy. The root domains serve as the foundation for the DNS naming structure, allowing other domains and subdomains to be organized below them in a tree-like structure.

From the root, the next levels in the hierarchy are the top-level domains (TLDs), such as .com, .org, .net, and country codes like .us or .uk. These TLDs then branch out into various second-level domains, which can further be divided into subdomains, creating a comprehensive namespace. The hierarchical system of DNS allows for efficient and systematic organization, making it easier to resolve domain names into IP addresses across the internet. Therefore, recognizing that the DNS namespace starts at the root domains is crucial for understanding how the whole system operates.