The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical, distributed naming system for computers, services, or any resource connected to the Internet. It translates domain names, such as www.example.com, into the numerical IP addresses that are required to locate a website on the Internet.
When a user types a domain name into their web browser, a DNS server is contacted to find the corresponding IP address. The DNS server looks up the domain name in its DNS records, and returns the IP address to the user’s device. The user’s device then sends a request to the website’s server, which responds with the requested web page.
There are several different types of DNS records, each of which has a different purpose and use. Some of the most common DNS records include:
• A (Address) Records: These records link a domain name to an IP address, allowing a domain name to be translated into an IP address.
• CNAME (Canonical Name) Records: These records link one domain name to another, allowing multiple domain names to be used to access the same website.
• MX (Mail Exchange) Records: These records specify the mail server responsible for accepting email messages sent to a domain.
• TXT (Text) Records: These records can be used to store a variety of data, such as SPF records (used for email authentication) and DKIM records (used for email encryption).
When it comes to setting up a website, there are several different types of DNS records available, each of which has a different purpose and use. While all DNS records are used to help navigate the Internet, there are key differences between them that are important to understand.
A (Address) records are the most common type of DNS record, and are used to link a domain name to an IP address. This allows users to access a website by typing in the domain name, rather than the IP address.
CNAME (Canonical Name) records are used to link one domain name to another. This allows multiple domain names to be used to access the same website.
MX (Mail Exchange) records are used to specify the mail server responsible for accepting email messages sent to a domain.
TXT (Text) records are used to store a variety of data, such as SPF records (used for email authentication) and DKIM records (used for email encryption).
