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Understanding DNS Record Types

DNS (Domain Name System) is essential for translating domain names into IP addresses, enabling browsers to find websites. Here's a quick guide to different DNS record types you might encounter:

A Record​

  • Purpose: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.
  • Example: example.com → 192.0.2.1

AAAA Record​

  • Purpose: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
  • Example: example.com → 2001:db8::1

CNAME Record​

  • Purpose: Alias for another domain name. It points one domain name to another.
  • Example: www.example.com → example.com

MX Record​

  • Purpose: Specifies the mail servers responsible for receiving emails for the domain.
  • Example: example.com → mail.example.com

TXT Record​

  • Purpose: Stores text-based information related to the domain, often used for verification and security purposes.
  • Example: example.com → "v=spf1 include:_spf.example.com ~all"

SRV Record​

  • Purpose: Defines the location of servers for specific services, like VoIP or instant messaging.
  • Example: _sip._tcp.example.com → sipserver.example.com

CAA Record​

  • Purpose: Specifies which certificate authorities (CAs) are allowed to issue certificates for the domain.
  • Example: example.com → 0 issue "letsencrypt.org"

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