> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://domainmappingsystem.gitbook.io/domainmappingsystem-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://domainmappingsystem.gitbook.io/domainmappingsystem-docs/faqs/what-are-dns-records.md).

# What are DNS Records?

This page explains DNS Records, including A, CNAME, MX, and TXT records - the most relevant for WordPress websites.

DNS stands for Domain Name System. The purpose of DNS is translate your server's IP address into a friendly, easily-legible name that humans can remember. It's much easier for humans to remember a name than it is a string of numbers. 

DNS Records direct the different types of traffic for a domain name to the proper server(s). Each DNS Record corresponds to a different type of service or traffic your domain might receive. 

For example:

* A records are set for "hosts" and standard website traffic
* CNAME records are set as "Aliases" or Canonical records
* MX records direct email traffic 
* TXT records provide many useful options, like domain ownership verification and enhanced security options

This is not a complete list. You can review all the different [DNS Record Types](https://simpledns.plus/help/dns-record-types). 

Here's a video on how to configure DNS Records:

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN7IH2azNbw>" %}
How to Configure DNS Records
{% endembed %}