Data stored in a DNS Server that define the mapping between domain names and various network resources or services.
Structure
Every record has the structure:
Name: domain name or subdomain being defined.Type: class of data being provided (e.g., A, MX, TXT). See below.TTL (Time To Live): The duration (in seconds) that the record is cached by DNS resolvers before a new lookup is required.RDATA: The data (payload) classified by the type.
Types
Address Mapping
A: IPv4 address of requested domain.AAAA: IPv6 address of requested domain.CNAME: Domain aliasing map, maps another name to an existing domain name in the records.PTR: Reverse lookup (IP to domain name).
Mail Routing
MX: Mail Exchange servers and priority levels.
Infrastructure & Authority
NS: Returns the host names of the DNS servers the domain.SOA: Zone configuration, serial numbers, refresh timers, and email address of the administrative contact.
Verification & Security
TXT: Arbitrary text used for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC verification.SRV: Service discovery (identifying specific services like SIP or XMPP).