Extension
.codes
.codes in short
The .codes domain is an open generic top-level domain (gTLD) launched in 2014 for developers, programming projects, software and anything code-related. It is operated by Identity Digital and open to anyone.
.codes at a glance
Type
gTLD — Generic top-level domain
Registry
Identity Digital
Launched
2014
Country / scope
Generic — no country
Restrictions
Open to anyone — no eligibility requirement
Typical price
$25/yr
Example sites
dev portfolios
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .codes domain
Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .codes mean?
The .codes extension reads as code — programming, software and the work of developers. Delegated in 2014 and run by Identity Digital, it suits developer portfolios, open-source projects, coding tutorials and bootcamps, software products and dev tools. It can also be read literally as “codes” — discount codes, postal codes, reference codes — giving it a second life for code-lookup and voucher sites.
Who uses .codes?
Software developers showcasing portfolios, open-source and side projects, coding schools and tutorial sites, and dev-tool startups. A second audience uses the literal meaning: promo-code and coupon sites, postal- and area-code lookups, and reference databases. The dual reading makes .codes more flexible than a pure dev extension like .dev.
.codes registration rules and requirements
None. .codes is fully open: no eligibility, no documentation, no local presence. Registration is first-come, first-served to anyone worldwide under standard ICANN rules. Unlike .dev or .app, it is not HSTS-preloaded, so it carries no mandatory-HTTPS requirement — though HTTPS is still strongly recommended for any site.
How much does a .codes cost?
A .codes domain typically costs about $25–$35 per year at standard rates, with first-year discounts common. It is a mid-tier Identity Digital word. As always, plan around the renewal rate rather than the promotional first year.
| Registrar | Typical .codes price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Porkbun | ~$25/yr |
| Cloudflare Registrar | At wholesale cost |
| Namecheap | ~$30–35/yr |
.codes pros and cons
Pros
- Reads as both ‘code’ and literal ‘codes’ — flexible.
- Good fit for developer portfolios and projects.
- Doubles for promo-code and lookup sites.
- Open to anyone, with good name availability.
Cons
- Mid-tier pricing, above .com and budget generics.
- Plural can be slightly less punchy than .dev.
- Lower type-in recall than .com.
- Some short names flagged premium.
Example .codes websites
- Developer portfolios and open-source projects on name.codes.
- Coding tutorials, bootcamps and dev-tool sites.
- Promo-code, coupon and reference-code lookup sites using the literal reading.
.codes — frequently asked questions
What is the .codes domain?
The .codes domain is an open generic top-level domain (gTLD) launched in 2014 for developers, programming projects, software and anything code-related. It is operated by Identity Digital and open to anyone.
Who can register a .codes domain?
Anyone. .codes is an open generic TLD with no eligibility or documentation requirement — it is available first-come, first-served to individuals and businesses worldwide.
How much does a .codes domain cost?
A .codes domain typically costs around $25–$35 per year at standard rates, often with a discounted first year. Confirm the renewal price before buying.
Is .codes only for programmers?
No. While it fits developer portfolios and software projects, it also reads literally as ‘codes’ — making it useful for promo-code, coupon and reference-code lookup sites. That dual meaning makes it more flexible than a pure dev extension like .dev.