Reading RDAP without the jargon
RDAP replaced WHOIS at most registries. Here is what each field means, and which ones are worth your attention.
whois.is team4 min read
RDAP is the structured successor to WHOIS. Instead of free text, registries answer with JSON, which means the same fields in the same place for every domain.
The fields worth reading
- Created. A domain registered last week deserves more care than one registered in 2007.
- Expires. A lapsed domain can be bought by anyone.
- Status.
clientTransferProhibitedis normal and protective;pendingDeleteis not.
Contact details are mostly redacted now for privacy, so the dates and status carry more weight than they used to.
