DNS · Website glossary

DNS

Quick answer · What is DNS?

The Domain Name System is a distributed system that answers queries about names using typed records.

IN PRACTICE

DNS: an example

A resolver looks up an address record before a browser can contact a website by name.

KEEP IN MIND

DNS is involved in mail routing and other services as well as websites.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of DNS?

A resolver looks up an address record before a browser can contact a website by name.

Is DNS used only for websites?

DNS is involved in mail routing and other services as well as websites.

Which concepts should I read alongside DNS?

DNS record: A typed piece of information associated with a name in a DNS zone.
Recursive resolver: A DNS service that finds an answer for a client by querying other servers as needed and usually caching results.