DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a decentralized system that translates human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses, allowing computers to locate and connect to websites, applications, and other resources on the internet. DNS serves as a crucial infrastructure that underpins the internet by facilitating the resolution of domain names to their corresponding IP addresses.
In simpler terms, DNS can be thought of as a phonebook for the internet. When a user enters a website's domain name in their web browser, the DNS system is responsible for translating that domain name into the unique IP address of the server where the website is hosted. This translation is necessary because computers communicate using IP addresses, which are numerical representations of network locations, rather than human-friendly domain names.
The DNS operates through a distributed network of servers. When a user initiates a DNS lookup, their computer or device contacts a DNS resolver, typically operated by their internet service provider (ISP) or a third-party DNS provider. The resolver then queries a series of DNS servers, referred to as authoritative name servers, to find the correct IP address associated with the requested domain name. Once the IP address is discovered, it is sent back to the user's device, enabling the connection to the desired internet resource.
Overall, DNS plays a crucial role in enabling the internet's functionality by translating human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses, allowing users to easily navigate the online world and access various services and websites.
