What is DNS?

DNS (domain name system) lets users connect to websites using domain names instead of IP addresses. DNS servers allow people to input normal words into browsers to search for your website (e.g., example.com) instead of using the more complicated IP address (e.g., 163.244.44.08) to locate/view a website.

DNS entries can also include mail server settings, security settings, and other application records that can be recorded in TXT files.

​​DNS records include A records, CNAME records, MX records, nameserver records, and TXT records, each with a different purpose.

• A (address) record: This record maps a domain name to an IPv4 address, indicating your website’s exact location.
• AAAA (IPv6 address) record: This is similar to the A record but maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
• MX (mail exchange) record: This record directs email to a domain’s mail servers and specifies the mail server responsible for receiving email messages on behalf of the domain.
• CNAME (canonical name) record: This record points one domain name to another domain name. It is often used for subdomains like www to point to the main domain.
• TXT (text) record: This record allows administrators to insert text into the DNS. It is often used for domain ownership verification and email security records (like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC).

Note: DNS entries are important because they include various records that give instructions about your domain name and the nameservers that identify where the DNS records are stored. Understanding how to manage and update these DNS entries is essential in keeping your website always available.

Refer to this guide on how to edit your domain DNS to add, edit, or delete a DNS record.