DNS is the internet's phone book.
Direct answer
DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names into IP addresses. You manage it with DNS records at your domain registrar or DNS provider. The main records are A (to an IP address), CNAME (alias to another name), MX (email) and TXT (verification and email security).
Common record types
| Record | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | points a name to an IPv4 address | example.com → 203.0.113.10 |
| AAAA | points to an IPv6 address | |
| CNAME | alias to another name | www → example.com |
| MX | where email goes | |
| TXT | verification, SPF, DKIM |
How a visit works
- You type a domain in your browser.
- Your device asks a DNS resolver for the address.
- The resolver finds the records.
- Your browser connects to that address.
Propagation
DNS answers are cached. After a change, some people see the old answer until the cache expires, set by the TTL value.
Where Teyro fits
Teyro's Build and Launch a Website course turns this into short lessons you can play in a few minutes a day. It has 100 lessons, and you can start free.
The bottom line
DNS connects your domain to your host and email. Change one record at a time and check results.
