Domain Name System (DNS)

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system used to translate human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses, which are essential for locating and accessing resources on the internet. For example, when a user enters a web address like www.example.com into their browser, the DNS converts this domain name into the corresponding IP address, allowing the browser to connect to the correct server.

DNS operates through a network of servers that communicate with each other to resolve domain names. It consists of various components, including DNS servers, domain name registrars, and resolvers. DNS servers store information about domain names and their associated IP addresses, while domain registrars manage the registration of domain names. Resolvers are client-side applications that initiate queries to the DNS servers to obtain the required IP addresses.

The DNS system enhances the usability of the internet by allowing users to access websites and services using easily memorable names rather than complex numeric addresses. Additionally, DNS supports various functionalities, including load balancing, email routing, and security measures like DNSSEC, which adds a layer of authentication to prevent malicious attacks.