What Is An IP Address?

The simple answer is that an IP address is for computers what a domain name is for humans (see What Is A Web Site Domain Name?).

You want the text book definition? The definition is along the lines that all computers that are connected to the Internet are assigned a unique number. This number is referred to as an IP address (where IP stands for Internet Protocol).

Why Do You Need To Know About IP Addresses?

You do not have to know what an IP address is. Most people don't and they seem to do just fine. But knowing does have its benefits.

An example: IP addresses are usually assigned in country-based blocks. Why not use IP address information to give your visitors country or language specific content?

Or simply use the IP address information in your referral logs to analyse where your visitors come from. This in itself can give you hints in the future development and marketing of your site.

To be honest, to set this up does require a bit of knowledge but it is not half as complicated as you may think...