DNS Record
DNSDNS Record is a structured entry in the Domain Name System that maps a domain or hostname to a destination such as an IP address, mail server, or another name. Stored in a domain’s DNS zone, records like A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, and NS control how browsers, email systems, and services find your site. Correct records ensure reachability, security, and reliable routing.
How It Works
A DNS record lives inside a DNS zone for a domain (for example, example.com). When someone types a domain into a browser or an app tries to reach a service, a DNS resolver queries authoritative name servers for that zone. The response contains one or more records that tell the client where to connect, such as an IPv4 address (A), IPv6 address (AAAA), or an alias to another hostname (CNAME).
Each record has a name (often a host like www or a subdomain), a type, a value, and a TTL (time to live) that controls caching. Caching speeds up lookups but means changes can take time to propagate. Records can also influence email routing (MX), verification and policies (TXT, including SPF and DKIM), delegation to other DNS servers (NS), and service discovery (SRV). Misconfigured records commonly cause downtime, broken email, or certificate validation failures.
Why It Matters for Web Hosting
When you buy hosting, your site is only reachable after your domain’s DNS records point to the hosting platform correctly. Plan comparisons often hinge on who manages DNS (registrar, host, or third-party), how easy the DNS editor is, and whether advanced records are supported. Understanding records helps you connect a domain, move to a new server without extended downtime, set up email safely, and troubleshoot issues during migrations.
Types of DNS Record
- A: Maps a hostname to an IPv4 address for web and other services.
- AAAA: Maps a hostname to an IPv6 address.
- CNAME: Aliases one hostname to another (commonly used for www to root or for SaaS targets).
- MX: Specifies mail servers responsible for receiving email for the domain.
- TXT: Stores text values used for verification and email/security policies (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and other service checks.
- NS: Delegates the domain or subdomain to specific authoritative name servers.
DNS Record vs DNS Zone
A DNS record is a single rule (like an A record for www) that answers a specific question about a name. A DNS zone is the collection of records for a domain or subdomain, along with the administrative settings that make those records authoritative. In hosting terms, you usually edit individual records inside the zone, while changing name servers (NS) often switches which provider hosts the entire zone.