DNS · Website glossary

Nameserver

Quick answer · What is Nameserver?

A server that answers DNS questions, either using authoritative data or by resolving and caching answers.

IN PRACTICE

Nameserver: an example

A registrar lists the authoritative nameservers delegated to handle a domain's DNS zone.

KEEP IN MIND

Changing nameservers is a broader change than editing one website address record.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of Nameserver?

A registrar lists the authoritative nameservers delegated to handle a domain's DNS zone.

Is changing nameservers equivalent to editing one website record?

Changing nameservers is a broader change than editing one website address record.

Which concepts should I read alongside Nameserver?

Authoritative nameserver: A nameserver that answers from the DNS zone data it is responsible for serving.
Recursive resolver: A DNS service that finds an answer for a client by querying other servers as needed and usually caching results.