DNS

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a system used to associate domain names with the IP addresses of the servers hosting websites. When you enter a domain name, like www.example.com, into your browser’s address bar, the DNS translates that name into an IP address, such as 192.0.2.1. This IP address identifies the server where the website is hosted.

It is easier for humans to remember domain names than IP addresses, which consist of a series of numbers. That’s why we use domain names to access websites. However, computers and other machines on the Internet use IP addresses to communicate with each other. The DNS (Domain Name System) acts as a translator between the domain name we type in our browsers and the corresponding IP address that the computer uses.

Here are some important DNS-related terms:

1. DNS server: A DNS server is a machine that stores a database of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. When a domain name is requested, the DNS server retrieves and returns the corresponding IP address.
2. DNS record: A DNS record is a rule stored in a DNS server that specifies how to translate a specific domain name. For instance, an A record directs a domain name to an IP address, while an MX record determines the destination for emails sent to that domain.
3. DNS propagation: DNS propagation is the process by which updates to DNS records are distributed across the Internet. It’s important to note that this process can take some time, resulting in a delay before changes to your DNS settings are fully recognized everywhere.

In the context of WordPress, you may need to interact with DNS when setting up your domain to point to your WordPress hosting or when switching hosts. You will need to update your DNS records to point to the new host’s IP address, which might require changing your domain’s A or CNAME records.

In summary, DNS is an essential part of how the internet works. While you may not have to interact with DNS on a daily basis, having a basic understanding of its function can be helpful when managing a WordPress site.