Terminal dig gives maximum control. Online Dig is convenient when you need a clean lookup from a browser, a phone, or a shared support workflow.

Commands to use

dig example.com A
dig @1.1.1.1 example.com A

Checklist

  1. Use terminal dig for scripting and deep resolver tests.
  2. Use online Dig for quick checks and easy sharing.
  3. Use raw output when status codes and authority sections matter.
  4. Use more than one tool if a result looks surprising.

How to use the result

The DNS answer should be compared with the intended source of truth: registrar delegation, DNS provider zone, hosting target, email provider instructions, certificate authority challenge, or internal network documentation. If they do not match, fix the source record before troubleshooting higher layers.