What is DNS?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the internet's directory service. It translates human-readable domain names like google.com into machine-readable IP addresses like 142.250.70.14.

Why DNS Exists

Humans remember names; computers use numbers. DNS bridges this gap. Without DNS, you'd need to memorize IP addresses for every website you visit.

How a DNS Query Works

1. Browser cache — Your browser checks if it already knows the IP
2. OS resolver — Your operating system checks its local cache
3. Recursive resolver — Your ISP's DNS server queries on your behalf
4. Root nameserver — Points to the TLD server (e.g., .com)
5. TLD nameserver — Points to the domain's authoritative server
6. Authoritative nameserver — Returns the final IP address

This entire process typically takes under 100 milliseconds.

DNS Record Types

• A — Maps domain to IPv4 address
• AAAA — Maps domain to IPv6 address
• CNAME — Alias pointing to another domain
• MX — Mail server for the domain
• TXT — Text records (SPF, DKIM, verification)
• NS — Nameserver records
• SOA — Start of Authority

Try It Yourself

Use our DNS Lookup tool to query DNS records for any domain.