Definition
An A Record (Address Record) is a type of DNS (Domain Name System) record that maps a domain name to its corresponding IPv4 address. It is essential for directing internet traffic to the correct server by linking human-readable domain names to machine-readable IP addresses.
Function
The main function of an A Record is to enable users to access websites using domain names rather than numeric IP addresses. When a user types a domain name (e.g., www.example.com) into their web browser, the DNS resolves that name to the corresponding IP address specified in the A Record, allowing the browser to connect to the appropriate server and retrieve the website's content. This vital role supports the functionality of the internet by simplifying the navigation process for users.
Related Terms
- MX Record: A type of DNS record that specifies the mail server responsible for receiving email messages for a domain.
- CNAME Record: A DNS record that maps an alias name to a true or canonical domain name.
- TTL (Time to Live): A value in a DNS record that tells servers how long to cache the record before querying again.
Here is the Wikipedia Article
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