title: What's the significance of TLD-first domain-like identifiers?
body: <p>"TLD-first domain-like identifiers" is a mouthful but that's all I can come up with.</p>
  
  <p>I've seen these used in various places over the years and wondered what the history/reason behind this convention is, since you might be forgiven in thinking that there is one true way to mention a domain.</p>
  
  <p>I don't use Java but I recall from poking around that namespaces are often done like this:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>uk.co.tophats.stitchkit</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>A specification file for a "Launch Agent" on Mac OS X:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>ws.agile.1PasswordAgent.plist</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>A preferences file on Mac OS X:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>com.apple.iTunesHelper.plist</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Why is the TLD first? Is it just hierarchical pedantry like UK vs. US date formats?</p>