# DNS (Domain Name System)

Web browsers interact through Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. DNS translates domain names to IP addresses so browsers can load Internet resources.

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical, decentralized naming system that maps human-readable domain names (like example.com) to the numeric IP addresses (like 93.184.216.34) that computers use to identify each other on the network. DNS resolution involves a chain of queries through root servers, top-level domain servers, and authoritative name servers.

DNS record types serve different purposes. A records map domains to IPv4 addresses, AAAA records map to IPv6, CNAME records create aliases, and MX records direct email. TXT records store arbitrary text and are commonly used for domain verification and SPF/DKIM email authentication.

In API and serverless architectures, DNS is the entry point for all traffic. Custom domains for API endpoints require proper DNS configuration, often using CNAME records pointing to a gateway or CDN. DNS-based load balancing and geographic routing can direct API requests to the nearest edge location, reducing latency.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.serverlessapigateway.com/glossary/d/dns-domain-name-system.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.