DNS records are essentially instructions that reside on DNS servers, providing vital information about a domain. They’re the core components that enable the DNS system to translate human-readable domain names into the numerical IP addresses computers use. Here’s a breakdown:
Purpose:
- DNS records map domain names to IP addresses and provide other crucial data about a domain.
- They dictate how DNS servers should handle requests related to a specific domain.
Key Types:
- A Record: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.
- AAAA Record: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
- CNAME Record: Creates an alias, directing one domain name to another.
- MX Record: Specifies the mail servers responsible for receiving emails for a domain.
- NS Record: Indicates the authoritative name servers for a domain.
- TXT Record: Allows administrators to store text information, often used for verification and security purposes.
- SOA Record: Contains administrative information about a DNS zone.
- PTR Record: Maps an IP address back to a domain name (reverse DNS lookup).
In essence, DNS records are the building blocks that make the DNS system functional, enabling users to access websites and online services using familiar domain names.
