Topic
Domain Name System
The Domain Name System, or DNS, associates domain names with records used to locate and configure internet services.
At a glance
- Abbreviation
- DNS
- Address record examples
- A and AAAA
Overview
The Domain Name System, or DNS, associates domain names with records used to locate and configure internet services. A resolver queries this distributed naming system, often using cached results, so applications can work with names rather than require users to remember numeric addresses.
Names and records
DNS has different record types for different purposes. Address records identify network addresses, while other records can describe aliases, mail routing, or verification information associated with a domain.
Caching and changes
Resolvers may retain records according to their cache lifetime. After a DNS change, different clients can temporarily observe different results; that does not necessarily mean the authoritative configuration failed to update.
Sources and review
MOOR's explanatory text is supported by the following source links.
- What is DNS? — Cloudflare
- DNS record types — Cloudflare