The Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental part of the internet as we know it today. It links IP addresses to domain names, making it possible to find websites using human-readable names. To store the information about which domain belongs to which ip address, DNS records are used.
What is a DNS Record?
DNS records are an important part of the Domain Name System. Each record is essentially a single line in a large database that contains information about a specific domain. Every DNS record is assigned to a specific domain and includes instructions on how different requests to that domain should be handled. Each entry links a domain to a specific data set, for example the corresponding IP address.
All DNS records for a domain are stored in a simple text file called a zone file. Each DNS record in this file is a single line that provides detailed instructions for processing requests related to that domain. The DNS uses this information to ensure websites, email services, and other internet-based applications remain reliably accessible.
What Types of DNS Records Are There?
There are different types of DNS records, each of which contains a specific kind of information about a domain. To make a website accessible under a given domain, some essential DNS records are required. Others are optional and used for additional functions.
One of the most common and important types is the A or AAAA record (Address Record). These assign an IP address to the domain. Without this record, the website wouldn’t be reachable via its domain.
Essential is also the NS record (Name Server Record). It defines which authoritative name server is responsible for the domain.
If the domain is used for email services, the MX record specifies which mail server handles the domain’s email communication. Other common DNS records include the CNAME record and the TXT record. The CNAME record is helpful for alias domains. The TXT record lets you link a simple text entry to the domain. TXT records are often used for email security or to verify services.
How Do DNS Records Work?
When a domain is entered into a browser, a DNS query is initiated. Within the hierarchical structure of the DNS, a search is carried out to find the correct DNS record.
The request passes through several DNS servers until it reaches the domain’s authoritative name server. This server stores all DNS records for the domain in the zone file. It checks the requested records and returns the corresponding information.
This process allows the domain entered in the browser to be translated into the IP address required by computers.
If you’d like to learn more about how DNS works, you can read our detailed article here.
How Can I Edit the DNS Records for My Domain?
Most hosting providers and domain registrars offer a user-friendly interface for managing DNS records. The screenshot below shows the INWX interface, where our customers can manage their DNS entries.
There, you can view and edit existing records or add new ones. Even users with little technical experience can manage DNS records through the customer interface. However, caution is important. An incorrectly set DNS record can make a website or email service unavailable.
Alternatively, DNS records can also be managed via your own DNS server.
How Long Does It Take for Changes to a DNS Record to Take Effect?
The time it takes for changes to a DNS record to become active depends on the so-called TTL value. TTL stands for “Time to Live.” This value, measured in seconds, determines how long DNS information is stored in a server’s cache before being refreshed. Once the TTL expires, the information is queried again, and any changes are applied.
A low TTL value ensures that DNS records are updated more frequently. However, this also increases the number of requests to the server, which can lead to a higher load. A higher TTL value, on the other hand, reduces server load but causes changes to be applied with a delay.
That’s why it’s important to choose the TTL value wisely, depending on the use case.
What Does a DNS Record Look Like?
Each DNS record contains various pieces of information, such as the name of the host and the type of record.
Technically, DNS records are simple lines of text written in a specific DNS syntax. These strings give the DNS server instructions on how to handle requests. A typical DNS record follows this format:
<name> <ttl> <class> <type> <rdlength> <radata>
- <name> → The domain or subdomain
- <ttl> → Time to Live: how long the record is cached
- <class> → Protocol class, usually “IN” for Internet
- <type> → The DNS record type (e.g., A, MX, CNAME)
- <rdlength> → Length of the data (optional)
- <radata> → The actual data of the record (e.g., an IP address or hostname)
Depending on the record type, additional fields may be included. This structure ensures that DNS servers around the world can correctly interpret and process requests.
Conclusion: Why DNS Records Are So Important
DNS records are essential for linking a domain to the correct website, mail server, or other services. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible to access websites via their domain names or to receive emails. They ensure that requests are routed correctly and that all associated services remain reliably accessible.
There are different types of DNS records for different purposes. Some are absolutely necessary for a website to function, while others are optional and provide additional information—such as for email security or domain forwarding.
Managing DNS records is usually done through a simple web interface. However, incorrectly configured records can result in websites or email services becoming unreachable.
If you’d like to learn more about the Domain Name System (DNS), you can find an overview of all our related articles here. And if you have further questions, feel free to email us at blog@inwx.de.
