Types of DNS Records Explained

DNS has different record types because domains do more than host websites. Each type answers a different kind of question.

Key points

• A and AAAA answer address questions.
• CNAME answers alias questions.
• MX answers mail routing questions.
• TXT answers policy and verification questions.
• NS and SOA answer authority questions.
• PTR answers reverse lookup questions.

Where dig fits

Dig is useful because it lets you ask DNS one precise question at a time. Instead of guessing why a website, email system, or service is failing, you can check the record type that controls that part of the setup.

Practical next step

Start with the record type that matches the symptom. Use A or AAAA for website address issues, MX and TXT for email, CNAME for provider aliases, and NS or SOA for delegation problems.