What Is DNS? DNS stands for Domain Name System , and it plays a critical role in how the internet works. If you’re unfamiliar with DNS, it’s worth taking some time to understand it thoroughly, as many online services depend on it. This article assumes you already have a basic understanding of DNS and know how to create DNS records with your current DNS provider or through a Managed DNS service. Understanding DNS in Simple Terms At its core, DNS is like the phonebook of the internet . It maps human-friendly domain names (like www.netlify.com ) to computer-friendly IP addresses (such as 2604:a880:2:d0::ddf:c001 ). Computers use IP addresses — long strings of numbers — to identify and communicate with each other over networks. However, it’s difficult for humans to remember IP addresses for every website they visit. DNS solves this problem by translating domain names into IP addresses automatically, making it easier for users to browse the internet without memorizing complex n...