DNS records are mapping files or systems that tell a DNS server to which IP address a particular domain is associated with. It also tells DNS servers how to handle requests that are being sent to each domain name. For example, when you type www.exampledomain.com into your browser and press Enter, the DNS will translate it to the exact IP address where the domain is hosted.

DNS Syntax Types Explained

Different strings of letters are used to dictate the DNS server actions. These letters are called DNS syntax. Below you will see a list of various DNS syntax with a short explanation of usage and meaning of each:

A

The “A” record stands for Address and it is the most basic type of DNS syntax.  It indicates an actual IP address to a domain.  The “AAAA” record (also known as IPV6 address) points a hostname to a 128-bit Ipv6 address.  Regular DNS addresses are mapped for 32-bit IPv4 addresses.

CNAME

The “CNAME” record stands for Canonical Name and its role is to make one domain an alias of another domain. CNAME is often used to associate new subdomains with an existing domain's A record.

MX

The “MX” or Mail Exchange record is primarily a mail exchange server list that is to be used for the domain.

PTR

The “PTR” record stands for Pointer Record. This DNS syntax is responsible for mapping an Ipv4 address to the CNAME on the host.

NS

The “NS” record stands for Name Server and it indicates which Name Server is authoritative for the domain.

SOA

An “SOA” record stands for State of Authority. It is obviously one of the most important DSN records because it saves essential information such as the date of the domain’s last update and other changes and activities.

SRV

An “SRV” record stands for Service. It is used for defining a TCP service where the domain operates on.

TXT

A “TXT” record stands for Text. This DNS syntax lets the administrators insert any text they would like added into the DNS record. It is often used for denoting facts or information about the domain.