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When did RFC1035 get thrown under the bus? According to it, with respect to domain name labels, "They must start with a letter" (2.3.1).



Long, long ago. 3com.com wanted to exist.


Amazingly, 3.com apparently didn't want to exist.


All-digit host names have been allowed since 1989.

https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc1123#page-13

One aspect of host name syntax is hereby changed: the restriction on the first character is relaxed to allow either a letter or a digit. Host software MUST support this more liberal syntax.


Huh. Thanks! I really missed the memo there. I wonder why 1035 doesn’t mention that it is updated-by 1123.


The same document defines `in-addr.arpa` domains that have numeric labels.

The mandate of a starting letter was for backwards compatibility, and mentions it in light of keeping names compatible with email servers and HOSTS files it was replacing.

Taking a numeric label risks incompatibility with antiquated systems, but I doubt it will effect any modern browser.


Ages ago I guess. 1password doesn't start with a letter either.




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