!! Have you ever think "How Does a Browser Know Where a Website Lives ?" Let's see today.
Introduction
so, when you type a website name like google.com into your browser and press Enter ?
Your Browser does not magically know where that website is located. Behind so many things are going .
This article explains DNS in simple terms, using examples, how DNS records work together
What is DNS (The phonebook of the internet)
DNS stands for Domain Name System.
IN simple words DNS is just a phone book of the internet.
- Computers communicate ussing "IP" addresses ex. 123.123.123.123
DNS translates a website name into an IP address for browser , so can browser know which server to talk next to .
Without DNS, you would need to remember IP addresses (numbers) instead of simple web names.
Why Are DNS Records Needed ?
Every Domain name has set of DNS records.
Each record answers a specific question:
- Who controls this domain ?
- Where is the website hosted ?
- Where should the emails be delivered ?
- Is this domain verified and secure ?
DNS always uses small records with clear roles .
What is an NS Record ?
NS stands for Name Server
"Who is responsible for managing the DNS information for this Domain?" (the hosting you purchased)
Example:
- Likewise, If you need official land records, you go the municipal office
Similarly, NS recorded tell the internet:
- Which servers are the official authority for a domain (ex. cloudflare, aws)
if NS records do not exist, the internet does not know where to ask for further details.
What is an A record? (this is only for IPv4)
A stands for Address.
"What is the IPv4 address of this domain?"
Example:
- abc.com -> 93.93.933.93
Think as :
- Person's name -> home address
The A record is one of the most DNS record, because it directly connects domain name to the server with website.
What is an AAAA Record? (this is only IPv6)
An AAAA record does the same job as an A record, but for IPv6.
Modern systems usually use:
- AAAA record first
- A record if IPv6 is not available
There is no competition between them.
- A record: older
- AAAA record: newer, future ready
Both exist to help browser to reach the correct server.
What is a CNAME Record?
CNAME stands for Canonical Name.
"This domain name is just to help for another domain name."
Real-life example:
-Calling a company's reception desk, which forwads you to the correct department
Key points:
- A CNAME record never points to an IP address
- It always points to another domain name
For Example :
- A record -> domain -> IP address
- CNAME record -> domain -> another domain
UseCases of CNAME:
- For CDN's(content delivery networks)
- Subdomains like mail.google.com
What is an MX Record?
MX stands for Mail Exchange.
"Where should emails for this domain be delivered?"
Example:
- Emails sent to one@one.com
- Deliver mail to server such as Google or Outlook
MX records can have :
- Multiple servers
- Priority numbers for backup delivery
Clearing Another Confusion
- NS record -> manages DNS info
- MX record -> manages email delivery
Completely different purposes.
What is a TXT Record ?
TXT stands for Text record.
TXT records store additional info, such as:
- Domain ownership verification
- Email security rules
- Instructions for external services
Real-life example:
- A written note attached to your mailbox saying, 'Yes, I own this house.'
TxT records do not direct traffic.
They prove, verify, and secure the domain.
Conclusion
DNS may seem complicated at first, but it's actually well-organized and logical.
- DNS is the internet's phonebook
- DNS records solve specific problems
- Understanding records more important than memorizing it.
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