Today we will talk more about the DNS record types. They are fundamental if you want your Domain Name System to work properly. Its primary function is to store critical DNS information.
So, let’s now take a deep look at the first 5 that everyone should know.
A record
Perhaps one of the most popular DNS record types is the A record, also called the address record. Its objective is to associate a domain name with an IP address (IPv4 address). Therefore, the A record must accurately display the correct IP address when a user requests a domain name.
Check out additional types of DNS records!
Despite being a pretty straightforward DNS record, it is a crucial component of the DNS configuration. Your domain name must have this kind of DNS record to resolve it. Additionally, your users won’t be directed to the appropriate website.
SOA record
The DNS record type on our list is the Start Of Authority record or SOA record. It is the one that needs to be understood. Why? It serves as the Official DNS zone’s starting point. A variety of information for the DNS zone is contained in this DNS record. This DNS record is necessary if you want your network to function faultlessly. All requests are routed to the primary DNS server. The DNS administrator’s details and contact details are also included in the SOA record. There are also several other characteristics, including the domain serial number. It’s important to remember that each DNS zone needs only one SOA record.
TXT record
We can not miss the TXT (Abridged from text) DNS record. It is quick to adapt. It contains guidance to sources outside the domain in text format. The SPF record is a type of TXT record. Mail servers use it to determine whether a message is trustworthy and from the correct domain.
TXT records could be used for various types of verification and authentication. For example, increasing trust in your domain and emails is critical for your online reputation.
PTR record
Backchecks frequently use the pointer record, also known as the PTR record. Its function is to map an IP address (IPv4 or IPv6) to a hostname. The goal is to confirm to other servers that an IP address belongs to a hostname before using a service, communicating, or engaging in another activity. The PTR record is used to validate the host.
MX record
The last one from our list is the MX record. You must add it so that the mail servers you have set up for your domain name are visible to senders. They will be able to send emails without any issues after doing an MX lookup for the domain to identify the email server in charge of receiving emails on behalf of that domain name. You cannot genuinely get emails or guarantee that you will receive everything sent to you without an MX record.
Conclusion
You are familiar with the basic types of DNS records, so congrats. This is a modest step toward effective and straightforward management of your Domain Name System.