What is the purpose of a domain name?

The purpose of a domain name is to serve as a global internet address that helps users easily access websites. A domain name translates the numerical IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network into human-readable names. For instance, instead of having to remember a long string of numbers to visit a website, users can simply input a domain name like "example.com." This system simplifies navigation on the internet and contributes to a more user-friendly experience.

While the other options touch upon important functions associated with domain names, they are not the primary purpose. Facilitating email communication is a service that uses domain names but is a specific application rather than the overarching purpose. Similarly, registering website ownership is a legal function linked to domain names but does not encapsulate their main role in the context of the internet infrastructure. Locating network resources can be a function of domain names through DNS (Domain Name System), but again, this serves a subset of tasks associated with the broader goal of providing a simple address for web resources.