A, CNAME, and TXT Records: What Each DNS Record Type Actually Does

DNS records are the building blocks of domain configuration, with each type serving a distinct purpose in directing internet traffic. An A record maps a hostname directly to an IPv4 address, making it the standard choice when pointing a domain or bare apex to a web server. A CNAME record acts as an alias, redirecting one hostname to another rather than to an IP, though it cannot be used at a domain's root or alongside other record types like MX or TXT. TXT records attach arbitrary text strings to a domain and are widely used for domain ownership verification and email authentication protocols such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Real-world applications include subdomain setup requiring careful attention to DNS propagation delays, and fixing email deliverability issues by adding the appropriate TXT-based authentication records.