Module 3~8 min
How DNS Works
DNS is what lets you type a website name instead of memorizing a string of numbers. This lesson explains how that translation happens.
What You'll Learn
- What DNS does
- Why DNS is necessary
- How a domain name becomes an IP address
Translating Names to Addresses
Computers communicate using IP addresses, but those are hard for people to remember. DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-friendly domain names into the IP addresses computers actually use.
The Lookup Process
When you type a website address, your device asks a DNS server to look up the matching IP address, then connects to that address to load the site. This lookup usually happens in a fraction of a second, invisibly.
Example
Typing a website's name into your browser triggers a quick DNS lookup behind the scenes, translating that name into the numeric address your browser actually connects to.
Key Concepts
DNSDomain NameIP Address
Key Takeaways
- DNS translates domain names into IP addresses
- This translation happens automatically whenever you visit a website
- DNS makes the internet usable without memorizing numbers
Knowledge Check
What is the main job of DNS?