A domain record, also known as a DNS (Domain Name System) record, is a configuration setting that provides information about how a domain name should be handled and where it should point on the internet. These records are stored on DNS servers and help route incoming requests for a domain to the appropriate servers.
Domain records consist of various types, each serving a specific purpose. Here are some common types of domain records:
- A (Address) Record:
- Associates a domain name with an IP address. It specifies the server’s numeric address where the website is hosted, allowing browsers to find and load the website.
- CNAME (Canonical Name) Record:
- Creates an alias or alternate name for a domain. It points a domain or subdomain to another domain or subdomain. For example, you can create a CNAME record to point “www” to the main domain.
- MX (Mail Exchange) Record:
- Specifies the mail servers responsible for handling emails sent to a domain. It helps route incoming emails to the correct mail servers for delivery.
- TXT (Text) Record:
- Stores arbitrary text information about a domain. It is often used for verification purposes or to provide additional information about the domain, such as SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records for email authentication.
- NS (Name Server) Record:
- Indicates the authoritative name servers for a domain. It specifies which servers are responsible for handling DNS queries for the domain.
These are just a few examples of the most common domain records. Each record type serves a specific purpose in managing different aspects of a domain’s functionality, such as website hosting, email handling, and domain verification. By configuring these records correctly, you can ensure that your domain name is properly connected to the relevant servers and services on the internet.