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If you’ve ever wondered how typing a domain into a browser magically leads you to a website, you’re about to uncover the secret: DNS. Short for Domain Name System, DNS is often called the “phonebook of the internet,” and it’s a vital part of what makes the web work. Whether you’re setting up your first website or troubleshooting a domain issue, understanding DNS is essential.
In this first part of our DNS series, we’ll explore:
• What DNS is and why it matters.
• The role of domains, nameservers, and web hosting.
• A closer look at A records and CNAME records.
• Common pitfalls and troubleshooting tips.
What is DNS?
At its core, DNS translates human-friendly domain names (like example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1) that computers use to communicate. Think of it as a giant directory that matches website names to their corresponding locations on the internet. Without DNS, you’d have to remember a series of numbers instead of simply typing in a name.
How Domains, Nameservers, and Web Hosting Work Together
1. Domain Names
A domain name is your website’s address, purchased through a domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap). While you might own the name, it doesn’t automatically connect to anything—this is where DNS comes in.
2. Nameservers
Nameservers act as the bridge between your domain name and your web hosting provider. They tell the internet where to find the DNS records for your domain. When you purchase a domain, your registrar assigns default nameservers, but if you host your website elsewhere, you’ll need to update these to point to your host’s nameservers.
For example:
• Default nameservers might look like ns1.registrar.com and ns2.registrar.com.
• If hosting with a provider, they may give you nameservers like ns1.hostingprovider.com and ns2.hostingprovider.com.
3. Web Hosting
Web hosting is where your website’s files and data live. By configuring your DNS records correctly, you link your domain to your hosting provider, ensuring visitors land on your site.
Understanding A and CNAME Records
A Records
An A record (Address Record) is the most basic type of DNS record. It maps your domain or subdomain to an IP address. Think of it as the street address of your website. For example:
• example.com → 192.168.1.1
If you change hosting providers, you’ll likely need to update the A record with the new server’s IP address.
Common Use Cases for A Records:
• Connecting a domain to your main website.
• Pointing subdomains (e.g., blog.example.com) to specific IP addresses.
CNAME Records
A CNAME (Canonical Name) record creates an alias for a domain name, pointing it to another domain instead of an IP address. It’s useful for simplifying management and maintaining flexibility.
For example:
• www.example.com → example.com
This setup means www.example.com will resolve to the same destination as example.com, even if the A record changes.
Common Use Cases for CNAME Records:
• Directing www subdomains to the main domain.
• Connecting custom domains to services like Shopify or Squarespace.
Note: While CNAME records are great for domain aliases, you may also need to handle redirects (e.g., forcing www to non-www or vice versa). These can be configured in your .htaccess file for finer control. Check out our guide on how to set up .htaccess redirects for more information.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
1. Forgetting to Update Nameservers
If you switch hosting providers but don’t update your nameservers, your domain won’t point to the correct hosting account. Double-check this setting whenever you make hosting changes.
2. Incorrect A or CNAME Records
An incorrect IP address or domain alias can lead to downtime or misdirected traffic. Use tools like DNSChecker to confirm your records are propagated correctly.
3. Propagating Changes Take Time
DNS changes aren’t instant—they can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally. Plan ahead when making updates.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the basics of DNS is crucial for managing your domain and website. By mastering domains, nameservers, A records, and CNAME records, you’ll have a solid foundation to ensure your site is accessible and functional.
See Part 2: DNS and Email
Have questions about your DNS setup or need expert help? Contact Zebra Sage for a consultation, and we’ll make sure your DNS settings are configured perfectly.