What Is DNS (Domain Name System)?

What it applies to

Every website with a custom domain. DNS is configured once at your domain registrar and determines where your domain points — to your hosting server, email provider, and any verification services.

How DNS resolution works

• A user types your domain into their browser.
• The browser checks its local DNS cache first. If not cached, it queries a DNS resolver (usually provided by the ISP or a public resolver like 8.8.8.8).
• The resolver queries the root nameservers, then the TLD nameserver (.com, .io), then your domain's authoritative nameserver.
• The authoritative nameserver returns the IP address stored in your DNS records.
• The browser connects to that IP address and loads the website.

Key DNS record types

• A record: Maps the root domain (yourdomain.com) to an IPv4 address.
• CNAME record: Maps one domain name to another (e.g., www → yoursite.webflow.io).
• MX record: Specifies the mail servers that handle email for the domain.
• TXT record: Holds verification strings — used by Google Search Console, email authentication (SPF, DKIM), and other services.

Where to manage DNS

DNS records are managed at your domain registrar (Namecheap, Cloudflare, Google Domains). Cloudflare also offers free DNS management with faster propagation and DDoS protection — worth considering for any production site.