What is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names into IP addresses. Setting up DNS means adding records so your domain points to your server.
Common Record Types
| Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | Points to IPv4 | 1.2.3.4 |
| AAAA | Points to IPv6 | 2001:db8::1 |
| CNAME | Alias to another domain | cdn.example.com |
| MX | Mail server | mail.example.com |
| TXT | Verification | v=spf1 … |
Steps
- Log in to your registrar (Cloudflare, Namesilo, etc.)
- Add an A record: Name
@, Value = your server IP - For subdomains, add more A records (e.g., name =
blog)
Verify
dig example.com A +short
dig @8.8.8.8 example.com ACloudflare (Recommended)
Free CDN and DDoS protection. Just change your NS records to Cloudflare and manage DNS from their dashboard.