Underscore in a sub domain

[Brandon]

Is it possible to have an underscore in a sub domain without causing problems? I know its immporssible to register domains like www.This_Example.com bu is web_tools.dnlodge.com ok?

Thanks,
Brandon

[jaswinder_rana]

Underscore CAN NOT be used in a domain. you can use -(hyphen) but NOT underscore.

[Brandon]

Yea, but when you create a subdomain in cPanel, it allows you to use underscores, I was just wondering if it would cause any problems.

[jaswinder_rana]

I wonder why would be that. As far as i know, underscore is not allowed.

Thats new thing to me.

[Nexus]

Yes that is interesting!

[mavahntooth]

google favors more on using hyphens. so it is recommended to use hyphens than underscore.

[jaswinder_rana]

When you say favor, does it meanthat underscore is legitimate in a URL?

I dont think so. Atleast i dont know if its true. i might be wrong.

If it was legitimate, i dont think Google would care if its underscore or hyphen. its just another URL.

[mavahntooth]

base on matt cutss blog, he recommends using hyphen vs underscore. http://www.mattcutts.com/blog/dashes-vs-underscores/

i didnt say dont use underscore, what i mean is i recommend underscore.

recommended for begginers
- keep your URL short.
- incorporate your keywords in the urls if possible
- avoid spaces 20% & underscores in seperating keywords

[jaswinder_rana]

Oh you mean in the files.

Ofcourse in the files or directories we can have underscore, but i think Brandon meant just the URL.

http//www.dnlodge.com

in this (host) opart, you cant have underscore.

[mavahntooth]

i know it is possible to have underscore in url

[jaswinder_rana]

Ah like i said before. i might be wrong. i think i read it wrong then.

[redQueen]

It's possible to use underscores on subdomains but I wouldn't recommend using an underscore in the subdomain.

It can cause problems with your PHP sessions. I spent two whole days debugging my codes, frustrated why I can't carry the PHP sessions through the pages. It was because I used an underscore in the subdomain.
When I changed it into a hyphen, the PHP sessions finally worked.

Take it from me, don't use underscores if you plan to use sessions. :biggrin:

[jaehos]

And one more thing I would like to add.
I had trouble underscore domain when I was using P3P (Plaform for Pravacy Preferences). I guess underscore in subdomain works somewhere like dns(domain name service). But, for the compatibility using undersocre in subdomain is not a good idea I think.

[Gareth_Boyd]

NameCheap said it is something to do with people spamming ... easier to spam with!