The Domain Name System (DNS) is the phonebook of the Internet. Humans access information online through domain names, like google.com. Web browsers interact through Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. DNS translates domain names to IP addresses so browsers can load Internet resources.
Common DNS Records:
- A Record: Maps a host name to an IPv4 address.
- AAAA Record: Maps a host name to an IPv6 address.
- CNAME Record: Aliases one domain name to another (useful for subdomains).
- MX Record: Directs email to a mail server.
- TXT Record: Allows administrators to insert arbitrary text into DNS records (commonly used for SPF and domain ownership validation).