WHOIS (pronounced as the phrase "who is") is a query and response protocol that is widely used for querying databases that store the registered users or assignees of an Internet resource, such as a domain name, an IP address block or an autonomous system, but is also used for a wider range of other information. The protocol stores and delivers database content in a human-readable format.

WHOIS is also the name of the command-line utility on most UNIX systems used to make WHOIS protocol queries.

A WHOIS database consists of a set of text records for each resource. These text records consists of various items of information about the resource itself, and any associated information of assignees, registrants, administrative information, such as creation and expiration dates.

WHOIS services are mainly run by registrars and registries; for example the Public Interest Registry (PIR) maintains the .ORG registry and associated WHOIS service


ICANN published the recommendation for status codes, the "Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) domain status codes:

ok

This is the standard status for a domain, meaning it has no pending operations or prohibitions.

addPeriod

This grace period is provided after the initial registration of a domain name. If the registrar deletes the domain name during this period, the registry may provide credit to the registrar for the cost of the registration.

pendingDelete

This status code may be mixed with redemptionPeriod or pendingRestore. In such case, depending on the status set in the domain name, otherwise (not combined with other status), the pendingDelete status code indicates that the domain has been in redemptionPeriod status for 30 days and not restored. The domain will remain in this status for several days, after which time the domain will be dropped from the registry database.Once deletion occurs, the domain is available for re-registration in accordance with the registry's policies.

pendingTransfer

This status code indicates that a request to transfer the domain to a new registrar has been received and is being processed.

transferPeriod

This grace period is provided after the successful transfer of a domain name from one registrar to another. If the new registrar deletes the domain name during this period, the registry provides a credit to the registrar for the cost of the transfer.

serverDeleteProhibited

This status code prevents your domain from being deleted.It is an uncommon status that is usually enacted during legal disputes,at your request, or when a redemptionPeriod status is in place.

serverRenewProhibited

This status code indicates the domain's Registry Operator will not allow your registrar to renew the domain. It is an uncommon status that is usually enacted during legal disputes or when the domain is subject to deletion.

serverTransferProhibited

This status code prevents the domain from being transferred from your current registrar to another. It is an uncommon status that is usually enacted during legal or other disputes, at your request, or when a redemptionPeriod status is in place.

serverUpdateProhibited

This status code locks the domain preventing it from being updated. It is an uncommon status that is usually enacted during legal disputes, at your request, or when a redemptionPeriod status is in place.

serverHold

This status code is set by the domain's Registry Operator. The domain is not activated in the DNS.

clientTransferProhibited
This status code tells your domain's registry to reject requests to transfer the domain from your current registrar to another.



clientRenewProhibited
This status code tells your domain's egistry to reject requests to renew your domain. It is an uncommon status that is usually enacted during legal disputes or when your domain is subject to deletion.



clientDeleteProhibited
This status code tells your domain's registry to reject requests to delete the domain


clientUpdateProhibited

This status code tells your domain's registry to reject requests toupdate the domain

clientHold

This status code tellsyour domain's registryto not include your domainin thezonefile and as a consequence, it will not resolve. It is an uncommon status that is usually enacted during legal disputes, non- payment,orwhen your domain is subject to deletion.