Intro to DNS and Debugging DNS Issues when Deploying a Custom Domain with Stammer

Understanding the Domain Name System (DNS) is crucial for anyone looking to deploy a website with a custom domain. This guide provides a straightforward introduction to DNS basics and how to point your domain to a specific server, enabling you to deploy your custom domain efficiently.

🔍 Understanding DNS and IP Addresses

DNS translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. Every web server has a public IP address, which you can technically enter into your browser to access the server. However, remembering and using IP addresses is impractical for daily internet use, leading to the development of the DNS system.

🏷 Components of a Domain Name

A domain name consists of several parts:

• Protocol: Indicates the protocol used, such as HTTP or HTTPS.

• Subdomain: The initial part of the domain name (e.g., "www").

• Domain Name/Root Domain: The central part of the domain name.

• Top-Level Domain (TLD): The last part of the domain name, such as ".com" or ".net".

Understanding these components is essential for directing a domain name to an IP address.

🔧 Setting Up A Records

To point your domain to a server, you need to add an "A record" in your DNS settings. This record links your domain to the server's IP address. Deciding on the subdomain is a critical step; while you can direct the root domain to the server, utilizing a subdomain allows for more flexibility, such as hosting a landing page separately.

🛠 Debugging DNS Issues

DNS can be challenging to troubleshoot due to its distributed nature and the time it takes for changes to propagate across the network. Tools like "ne.tools" plugin for ChatGPT or MX Toolbox can help verify that your DNS records are set up correctly and pointing to the right IP address.

🚀 Deploying Your Custom Domain

Once the A record is added and verified, you can proceed to deploy your custom domain. This process involves launching your website on the server and ensuring that the DNS records are correctly pointing to the server's IP address. If the domain does not work as expected, checking for additional DNS records or incorrect settings is advisable.

📌 Conclusion

Deploying a custom domain involves understanding DNS basics, setting up A records, and using DNS lookup tools for troubleshooting. By following these steps and ensuring your DNS records are correctly configured, you can efficiently deploy your custom domain and make your site accessible to users worldwide.