Domain Name System
Definition
The Domain Name System is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system for computers, services, or other resources connected to the Internet or a private network.
The Domain Name System acts as a directory for the internet, translating human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1). This process is essential because computers communicate using numerical IP addresses, but humans find it easier to remember names. When you type a web address into your browser, your computer queries a DNS server to find the corresponding IP address for that domain name.
For instance, entering www.google.com in a web browser triggers a DNS lookup to resolve it to the IP address of Google's servers.
This system is fundamental to the functioning of the internet and is commonly encountered in web browsing, email services, and network administration.