In the Domain Name System, there are different DNS record types. Their primary function is to supply information about the domain and its IP address. So, if you want to learn more about them, you are in the right place. In this article, we will consider one of the most popular record types.
DNS record – what does it mean?
But before we see the different types, let’s explain what a DNS record is. They are text instructions kept in zone files that allow domain names to be resolved to IP addresses. They’re lightweight and straightforward to update, and their size varies based on the query type. However, because PCs aren’t human, they have to rely on records to understand and decode text. That is, they convert the text file into numbers that machines can read.
DNS record types
We mentioned above that there are many different types of DNS records. Each of them is strictly individual and has its specific characteristics and purpose. And here are the most fundamental and necessary DNS records you need to know:
SOA record
Every DNS zone requires a Start of Authority record or SOA record for short. Its purpose is to display the authoritative DNS zone’s principal source. So, the SOA album is an absolute must-have. Your DNS network will not be able to function correctly without it. It specifies which DNS server is the primary (master). It contains contact information for the DNS administrator. In addition, the SOA record contains important DNS zone characteristics such as the domain’s serial number and refresh rate. It’s also worth noting that each DNS zone should only have one SOA record.
A record
The A (Address) record is probably the most common of all DNS record types. The explanation for this is simple: it serves an exact and vital role. The A record connects the domain name to the IP address it corresponds to (IPv4). Therefore, people will only remember domain names instead of IP addresses in this case.
AAAA record
The AAAA record does the same task as the A record, except for connecting a domain name to an IPv6 address. The sixth version adds a slew of new IP addresses and a slew of other improvements. The AAAA records collaborate with the A records and are saved in the same zone.
PTR record
The PTR record, often known as a Pointer record, is another crucial DNS record. We use it for backchecks and perform the reverse of the A record. In addition, it connects a hostname to an IP address (IPv4 or IPv6). It’s essential because the rest of the servers in the globe may require proof that an IP address corresponds to a hostname before accepting a service, communicating, or taking any other action. As a result, we frequently use it in the host’s authentication.
MX record
The following essential DNS record type is the Mail Exchanger record. The primary purpose of MX record is to point the email server to receive emails for a specific domain name in the right direction. It contains the domain name that means the hostname of the incoming mail server. This type of record must point to a hostname rather than an IP address is extremely crucial.
CNAME record
And we come to the last necessary type of record. A CNAME record, also known as a Canonical record, is a means to make subdomain management easier. For example, you point a subdomain like www.example.org to example.org (without the www. portion), and you won’t have to add any additional records for that subdomain. So when a user wants to access your website, he types in the address bar only example.org. Instead, all subdomain queries will be directed to the main domain.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you are already familiar with the fundamental DNS record types. This is one small step towards successful and easy management of your Domain Name System.