A Record
A DNS record that maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.
An A (Address) record is the most fundamental type of DNS record. It directly connects your domain name to the server's IP address where your website is hosted.
A Record Structure:
Type: A
Host: @ (or subdomain name)
Value: 192.168.1.1 (IPv4 address)
TTL: 3600 (seconds)
Common A Record Examples:
Root domain:
Host: @
Value: 192.168.1.1
This makes yourdomain.com point to your server.
Subdomain:
Host: blog
Value: 192.168.1.2
This makes blog.yourdomain.com point to a different server.
Multiple A Records: You can have multiple A records for load balancing:
Host: @
Value: 192.168.1.1
Host: @
Value: 192.168.1.2
DNS will alternate between them (round-robin).
Why It Matters
A records are essential for connecting your domain to your website. Without proper A records, your domain won't resolve to any server, and visitors will see an error.
Practical Example
Your web host tells you your server IP is 104.21.68.47. You create an A record with @ pointing to that IP. Now when someone types yourdomain.com, their browser knows to connect to that server.
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