A DNS record is a piece of information stored in the Domain Name System (DNS) that tells the internet how to handle requests related to your domain — like where to send emails, point web traffic, or verify services. A DNS record is a crucial component of the Domain Name System (DNS), which acts like the internet's phonebook. It maps human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) to machine-readable IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1), enabling computers to locate and communicate with servers hosting websites, email, and other services.
There are several types of DNS records, each serving a specific purpose:
Record Type
What It Does
A | Maps a domain to an IPv4 address. |
AAAA | Maps a domain to an IPv6 address. |
MX | Specifies mail servers for email delivery. |
CNAME | Aliases one domain to another. |
TXT | Stores arbitrary text — often used for SPF, DKIM, DMARC, verification, etc. |
NS | Indicates the nameservers for the domain. |
PTR | Used for reverse DNS (rDNS) lookups. |
SRV | Defines services (used in VoIP, messaging, etc.). |
SOA | Contains admin info and settings for a DNS zone. |
When you enter a domain name in your browser:
The browser queries a DNS resolver.
The resolver checks its cache or queries DNS servers to find the relevant DNS record.
The DNS server responds with the IP address (or other data).
The browser uses this information to establish a connection to the server.
They control how your domain functions across the web.
Without them, things like your website, email, and security settings wouldn't work.
In short, DNS records are essential for making the internet user-friendly and functional, ensuring that domain names are correctly translated into the technical addresses computers need to communicate.
