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Debashis Das
Debashis Das

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DNS Explained in very simple words(For Everyone)

#beginners #codenewbie #webdev #networking

If you heard about DNS or Domain Name System and want to know the basic overview of how exactly DNS works, then dont worry, i will explain it to you in a very simple term, not with handy word.

So Now Let's start with the simple question.

How does your browser know where a website lives?

When you type:


👉 google.com
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Your browser is actually confused 🤔🙄😵
Because computers do not understand names like "google", "facebook", "instagram" etc.

Computers only understnad numbers.

So someone has to tell the browser:

"Hey, google.com live at this number"

That "someone" is DNS.

What DNS Really Is (No Tech Meaning):

DNS is like the phonebook of the internet.

In your phone:

  • You save names like (Mom, Dad, Brother, Friends, Ofiice)
  • But calling happens using a phone number

On the internet:

  • You type a website name
  • DNS finds the number
  • Browser goes there for lookup

Without DNS, the internet would look like this:


Type 142.250.182.14 to open 'Google'
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And nobody wants that to remember the whole number.
What if we have some tool that remember those large number for us,it's kind of a middleware.And that's the reason why DNS plays a important role for us to find website actual location.

Why DNS Record Exist

DNS record are just small pieces of information that answer different questions.

Like:

  • Where is this Websites?
  • Who is in charge of this domain?
  • Where should email go?
  • Is this domain trusted?

Instead of putting everything in one place, DNS uses different record, each with one clear job.

NS Record-Who is Responsible for This Website?

Imagine an apartment building 🏢
You don't ask any random people about a flat-you go to the main office.

NS record is that main office.

It tells the internet:

"Ask this company for all information about this domain."

So NS record answers:

  • Who manages this website?
  • Who has the authority?

Without NS:

  • Internet would not know where to ask questions and to whome.

A Record- Where Is the Website?

This is the most important record.
A Record tells the exact address of the website.
Think of it like:

  • House name -> House number

Example:


example.com -> 93.128.332.34
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Your browser:

  • Find this number
  • Goes direct to the server with the help of that number
  • And finally load the website for us in the browser

Simple and direct.

AAAA Record - Same Job, Newer System

AAAA record does the same thing as A record.
The only differece:

  • A record -> Old type address
  • AAAA record -> new type address

You don't need to worry much about it.
Just remember:

A and AAAA both tell where the website lives.

CNAME Record - Another Name for the Same Place

Something a place has two names.

Example:

  • "Main street shop"
  • "MS Shop"

Both go to the CNAME does.

Example:


www.example.com -> example.com
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This means:

  • www.example.com is just another name
  • Real website is example.com

Easy difference to remember:

  • A Record -> name to number [google.com -> 123.652.88.90]
  • CNAME -> name to name [it's like giving someone to a nickname]

MX Record - How Emails Know Where to Go

Now let's talk about email📧
When someone sends:

hello.example.com
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The internet asks:

"Where should i deliver this email?"

The answer comes from the MX record.The MX is like a post office address.
It btells:

  • Which mail server recieves emails
  • For that domain

No MX record = No email delivery.

TXT Record - Extra Notes and Proof

TXT records are like stricky notes attached to a domain.
They arev used to:

  • Prove ownership
  • Keeps email safe
  • Verify services

Example:

  • Google asks: "Is this your domain?"
  • You add a TXT record
  • Google checks it
  • Done ✅

TXT records don't affect websites directly -- they help in the background.

How Everything Works Together (One simple Story)
Let's say someone opens your website.

Step-by-step:

  1. Browser looks for NS
    -> Who controls this domain?

  2. DNS server gives A / AAAA
    -> Here is the website address

  3. If www is used, CNAME helps
    -> Redirects to main name

  4. If someone sends email, MX helps
    -> delivers email properly

  5. TXT keeps things verified and safe

All Records work together like a team.

One Complete DNS Setup (Easy View) 

NS    -> Who manage the domain
A     -> WEbsite address
AAAA  -> Newer website address
CNAME -> Another name
MX    -> Email delivery
TXT   -> Proof and Security
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Final Words (Very important)

DNS sounds scary only because of it's name.

But in reality, its just:

A system that helps names find the right place.

If you understand Phonebook, House address and Post office, then you already understand DNS.

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