If you are familiar with domains, you know that checking DNS (Domain Name System) records is a constant need to keep everything running smoothly. Therefore, you need a DNS tool to execute the necessary checks and diagnoses. Otherwise, it could be hard to know what is going on. Let’s dive deeper into what a DNS tool is and does.
What is a DNS tool?
A DNS tool is a service or software that allows you to check DNS records. Some DNS tools include additional features to monitor the status of servers and the response time of a domain, check individual DNS records, or perform bulk operations on large numbers of DNS records.
8 DNS tools for testing your servers
Remember that the Domain Name System (DNS) is the system that makes the Internet possible in the friendly way you know it. It is in charge of translating domain names (www.domainexample.com) into IP addresses (154.01.2.1) for computers to have access to websites and more resources on the Internet. If the DNS of a domain does not work properly, it won’t be online, so that customers won’t have access to it.
Some examples of useful and popular DNS tools are host, ping, nslookup, and dig (command-line utilities). In addition, there are other web-based DNS tools. You can access them through the Internet and use them from a website to check the DNS records you need.
What does a DNS tool do?
- It allows easier DNS records checks. A Domain Name System tool is easy to use and a simplified method to check the status of DNS records. Online businesses that require many constant changes (addition, deletion, edition) on DNS records can easily check those records to ensure that changes were executed correctly. If you are a developer, website owner, or administrator, you know that sometimes simple is faster and better!
- It provides you with DNS key information. For instance, using dig, you can query the DNS about name servers, mail exchanger records, or host addresses.
- It enhances uptime. A DNS tool is a great means to ensure your domain is online due to the DNS records checks it allows. If something goes wrong with DNS records and that causes downtime, you can find it out and fix it.
- It improves security. There are DNS records directly related to security. Through the checks you can do with a DNS tool, you can detect, for instance, a spoofed record. Preventing security threats is vital for your online business to work adequately.
- It makes troubleshooting faster and more efficient. The information that a DNS tool can provide about DNS records or servers can be useful for fixing downtime and other DNS issues.
- It improves overall performance. Checking constantly your DNS records status decreases the chances for trouble. That translates into better performance and reliability.
Conclusion
If you are a website owner, administrator, or developer, you will need to check DNS records all the time. Better to get familiar with what a DNS tool is and does from now!
