What are DNS records?

DNS records, which are also referred to as zone files, are essentially a set of instructions that are stored on DNS servers.

These instructions provide critical details about a domain, such as the IP address associated with the domain and how to process requests for it.

All these records are composed of a collection of text files that utilize DNS syntax – a series of characters that act as commands directing the DNS server on its operations.

Each of these records comes with a ‘TTL’ or time-to-live, indicating the frequency at which a DNS server updates that particular record.

Consider these DNS records as the digital equivalent of a business listing on an online directory, where you can find essential information like the business’s location, operating hours, and services provided.

For a website to be accessible via a domain name, it must have several fundamental DNS records in place, along with various optional records that serve additional functions.

What are the most basic types of DNS record?

Here are the primary types of DNS records you’ll encounter:

• A Record: This is the cornerstone of DNS records, containing the domain’s IP address. Get more insights on the A record. Learn more about the A record.
• AAAA Record: This record is all about the IPv6 address of a domain, providing a newer, larger address space compared to the A record’s IPv4 addresses. Learn more about the AAAA record.
• CNAME Record: Acts as a redirect from one domain or subdomain to another, but it won’t give you an IP address. Learn more about the CNAME record.
• MX Record: Essential for email traffic, this record points to an email server. Learn more about the MX record.
• TXT Record: A versatile record that allows admins to store textual information, often utilized for verifying domain ownership and email security protocols. Learn more about the TXT record.
• NS Record: This record specifies the name servers that are authoritative for a DNS zone. Learn more about the NS record.
• SOA Record: Contains administrative details about a domain, serving as a source of essential information. Learn more about the SOA record.
• SRV Record: Designates the port number for specific services, guiding traffic to the right destination. Learn more about the SRV record.
• PTR Record: Used in reverse DNS lookups, this record returns the domain name associated with an IP address. Learn more about the PTR record.

Each of these common records plays a critical role in the infrastructure of the internet, guiding traffic efficiently and securely to its intended destination.