Get a Domain from Porkbun

Why You Need a Domain

Several things in this curriculum work better (or only work) with a domain name:

• Gitea (next lesson) needs a URL people and tools can reach
• OpenClaw web interface is more secure behind HTTPS on a domain
• OAuth callbacks from services like Google require HTTPS on a real domain
• It's yours — a raw IP address can change if you rebuild your server; a domain stays stable

Why Porkbun

• Cheapest registrar for most TLDs — no markup, often cheaper than Namecheap/GoDaddy
• Free WHOIS privacy on every domain (other registrars charge extra)
• Clean, simple dashboard — no upsell pressure
• API available if you want to automate DNS later

If you prefer Namecheap, Cloudflare Registrar, or another provider, that's fine — the steps are similar.

What to Do

Step 1: Choose a Domain

1. Go to porkbun.com
2. Search for a domain name — some ideas:
   • yourname.dev (~$10/year)
   • yourname.xyz (~$1/year for the first year)
   • somethingcreative.com (~$10/year)
   • A subdomain of something you already own works too
3. You'll use subdomains for different services (e.g., git.yourdomain.com for Gitea, claw.yourdomain.com for OpenClaw)

Step 2: Purchase

1. Create a Porkbun account using your Proton Mail address
2. Pay with your Privacy.com card — create one named "Porkbun Domain"
   • Set the spending limit to $20/year (covers most domains)
3. Save the login in Bitwarden "OpenClaw" folder
4. Complete the purchase

Step 3: Point DNS to Your Server

In the Porkbun dashboard, go to your domain → DNS Records:

For the root domain:

For Gitea (next lesson):

For OpenClaw web interface:

DNS propagation takes a few minutes to a few hours. You can check with:

dig +short git.yourdomain.com

If you don't have dig installed (common on Windows), use nslookup instead — it works on Windows, macOS, and Linux:

nslookup yourdomain.com

When the command returns your server IP, you're ready.

Step 4: Enable Auto-Renew

In Porkbun, make sure auto-renew is on for your domain. Losing a domain because you forgot to renew is a real and annoying problem.

Tips

• .dev domains force HTTPS (built into browsers via HSTS preload), which is a nice security bonus — but means you must have HTTPS configured before the domain works in a browser
• If you already have a domain elsewhere, just add the A records pointing to your server IP — no need to buy a new one

When You're Done

• Domain purchased on Porkbun (or your registrar of choice)
• Login saved in Bitwarden
• A records created for root, git, and claw subdomains
• DNS resolving to your server IP (verified with dig or nslookup)
• Auto-renew enabled