RACE encoding is a technology used for encoding non-English language characters such as Chinese or Japanese into DNS servers. It converts non-ASCII characters into a combination of letters, digits, and dashes that are ASCII-compatible, ensuring they can be stored and processed correctly in domain name system servers.
This technique has become essential for enabling domain names to be registered and used in different languages around the world, making the web truly global. Without RACE encoding, domain names that use non-English characters would not be possible, as DNS servers only understand ASCII characters.
Why RACE Encoding Matters
With RACE encoding, domain names can now support a wide range of non-English characters, allowing people around the world to access websites in their own languages. This makes it possible for businesses to connect with new customers, even if they don’t speak English or another widely-used language, and helps people to navigate the internet with ease.
Without RACE encoding, only domain names using the 26 letters of the English alphabet, numerals, and hyphens (ASCII characters) would be permitted. With RACE encoding, domain names can also include characters from other languages as well as emoji, making the domain name more memorable and recognizable, something that’s crucial for businesses when building their brands.
RACE Encoding FAQ
What does RACE stand for?
RACE is short for “Row-Based ASCII-Compatible Encoding”. This system of encoding non-ASCII characters was created by IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) to allow domain names to include non-English characters.
How does RACE encoding work?
RACE encoding works by converting non-ASCII characters into a sequence of ASCII-compatible characters that DNS servers can understand. The resulting text is referred to as ASCII-Compatible Encoding (ACE).
Why is RACE encoding important?
RACE encoding is important because it allows domain names to include non-English characters, making the internet accessible to people who don’t speak English. This helps to promote inclusivity and enables businesses to reach new audiences in other countries and regions.
In Conclusion
RACE encoding plays a major role in enabling non-English domain names to be used around the world, making the internet accessible to everyone. It helps businesses to build their brands and reach new markets, while making the online experience more user-friendly for people who speak languages other than English.
