.dev Domains for Developers: The Extension Built for Code

If you're a developer building tools, libraries, or personal projects, the .dev extension was literally made for you. Launched by Google in 2019, .dev has become the natural home for developer-focused brands and projects.

Why .dev Exists

Google acquired the .dev TLD and launched it specifically for developers and technology. Like .app, it requires HTTPS at the registry level, ensuring every .dev site is secure by default. Major companies quickly adopted it — web.dev (Google), opensource.dev, and github.dev.

Who Uses .dev?

Developer tools and libraries — Package managers, CLI tools, SDKs
Personal developer portfolios — firstname.dev or handle.dev
Open-source projects — Project documentation and landing pages
Developer-focused SaaS — Products built for technical audiences
Tech blogs — Developer content and tutorials

Benefits of .dev

Instant Context

A .dev domain tells visitors immediately that this is a developer resource. No confusion about the site's purpose.

Mandatory HTTPS

Like .app, every .dev domain requires SSL. This is a security win and a minor SEO advantage.

Strong Availability

Quality .dev domains are still widely available. Short names, dictionary words, and brandable terms that are long gone in .com are available in .dev.

Professional Signaling

For job seekers and freelancers, a .dev domain for your portfolio signals technical competence. It's a subtle but effective differentiator.

Affordable Pricing

Standard .dev domains cost $12-16/year, making them one of the cheapest quality extensions available.

.dev for Personal Branding

A personal .dev domain is increasingly becoming a developer's digital business card:

firstname.dev or firstnamelastname.dev for your portfolio
Host your resume, projects, blog, and contact information
Link it in your GitHub profile, LinkedIn, and conference talks
Much more memorable than a GitHub Pages URL

.dev vs Other Developer Extensions

.dev vs .io

Both are popular in tech. .io is broader (any tech startup), while .dev is specifically for developer-oriented projects. .dev is cheaper ($12-16 vs $30-60).

.dev vs .codes

.codes is longer and less recognized. .dev wins on brevity and brand recognition.

.dev vs .engineering

Way too long. .dev is three characters; .engineering is eleven.

.dev vs github.io

GitHub Pages is free but locked to GitHub's infrastructure. A .dev domain gives you control over hosting, DNS, and branding.

Setting Up Your .dev Site

Popular Hosting Options

Vercel — Deploy Next.js, React, or static sites
Netlify — JAMstack hosting with easy DNS configuration
GitHub Pages — Free hosting with custom domain support
Cloudflare Pages — Fast, free hosting with edge network

Essential Steps

Register your .dev domain (Cloudflare, Namecheap, Google, etc.)
Get an SSL certificate (required — Let's Encrypt is free)
Configure DNS records pointing to your hosting
Deploy your site
Set up email forwarding if needed

Creative .dev Domain Ideas

yourname.dev — Personal portfolio
api.dev — API documentation
learn.dev — Developer education
build.dev — Build tools and CI/CD
stack.dev — Technology stack references

Check Availability

Quality .dev names are going fast as more developers discover the extension. Check if your ideal name is still available.

Search your name across .dev and other extensions with BrandScout. See availability across domains and developer platforms like GitHub instantly.