In this article, we will explore the DNS record definition and its types. To make an introduction, DNS or the so-called Domain Name System converts human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. And it is exactly DNS records that help this process. So, let’s now focus on their purpose.
DNS record – Explanation
DNS records are simple instructions associated with a specific domain name. Where are they located? So, a zone file contains the entire collection of records in the DNS zone. This data is kept on the authoritative DNS server for the relevant domain name. Each DNS record serves a specific function. As a result, they are all critical to the domain’s proper operation. Furthermore, every DNS record has a “TTL,” or “time-to-live,”. It denotes how frequently a DNS server will update that record.
How many DNS record types does it have?
We distinguish different types of DNS records. Below, we’ll look at the ones that anyone new to DNS should know.
- A record
The A DNS record must be present in any DNS list. It’s conceivably the most prevalent record format. A hostname is pointed to its IP address using the A record. The address used for referring to A records is IPv4 (32-bit) (32-bit). IPv6 addresses (128-bit) are supported by a revised AAAA record type (128-bit).
- SOA record
The domain parameters are specified in the SOA (Service of Authority) record. Since the domain name has been registered, every domain name needs to have an SOA record.
- PTR record
The pointer record, commonly known as the PTR record, is frequently used in backchecks. Its job is to translate a hostname to an IP address (IPv4 or IPv6). Before utilizing a service, connecting with another party, or taking any other action, it is vital to verify to other servers that an IP address corresponds to a hostname. The host is verified using the PTR record.
- MX record
Another essential DNS record type is the MX record, which stands for Mail Exchanger. Its goal is to point a given domain name’s receiving email server in the right direction. For a specific domain name, MX records identify the host that will be used to process or forward Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) mail.
- CNAME record
One domain is redirected to another using CNAME, or “canonical name,” which only requires you to update one A record at a time. You can use it to alias URLs to your canonical domain. The CNAME record, for instance, enables “dnsrecord.co.uk” to retrieve “www.dnsrecord.co.uk” with the prefix “www.”
- TXT record
In the Domain Name System, a TXT record is a type of resource record that can be used to link any text to a host or other name. The TXT record is frequently used for email validation in addition to verification. This contains data that can be read by humans about a network, server, data center, etc.
Conclusion
Congratulations! Now you are familiar with the purpose of DNS records and their fundamental types. They are A, SOA, PTR, MX, CNAME, and TXT records. So what is your next step? To put them in action.