Understanding DNS Record Types
Summary:
A quick overview of the most common DNS records you’ll use.
| Record | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | Points to IPv4 address | example.com → 192.0.2.1 |
| AAAA | Points to IPv6 address | example.com → 2001:db8::1 |
| CNAME | Alias of another domain | www → example.com |
| MX | Routes email | @ → mail.example.com |
| TXT | Stores text data (e.g. SPF) | v=spf1 include:_spf.yourprovider.com ~all |
| NS | Delegates nameservers | example.com → ns1.aviumshost.co.uk |
| PTR | Reverse DNS (IP → Domain) | 1.2.0.192.in-addr.arpa → example.com |