A record
An A record maps a DNS name to an IPv4 address. It does not configure the website or define HTTPS, paths or an HTTP redirect.
What is an A record?
An A record is a DNS resource record that maps a name to an IPv4 address. RFC1035 describes the address value of this record type. A name can have multiple A records; the mapping alone does not describe a working web application.
Example: mapping a name to an address
In the fictional DNS data, an A record maps portal.studio.example to the example address 192.0.2.25. This shows only the mapping, not an established connection. The target server must also serve the requested website or application appropriately.
A path within the website is not stored in the A record. This record does not create an HTTP redirect or a TLS certificate either. IPv6 addresses use a different record type.
Before making a change, the team should clarify which services use the name and whether the new target environment is ready. Name resolution and the application must then be checked separately; an address read from DNS is not a successful portal visit.
Sources
Related terms
- Domain Name SystemDNS supplies data about names, such as a web server’s address. Name resolution, the server connection and application behaviour are separate steps.
- DNS zoneA DNS zone is an administrative unit for DNS data. Its boundaries follow delegation; not every subdomain automatically becomes a separate zone.
- HTTPSHTTPS protects HTTP communication using TLS. Protected transport alone does not establish correct form processing or a user’s access rights.
- Return-PathReturn-Path records the SMTP reverse path in a header. It explains the technical route for error reports, not a person’s identity.
- Envelope-FromEnvelope-From identifies the SMTP sender for transport and error feedback. It must be distinguished from the visible sender address.
- DMARC aggregate reportA DMARC aggregate report summarises a reporting mail system’s domain checks over a period. It helps examine sending sources and misconfigurations.
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