What does DNS stand for?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. This fundamental system in networking primarily serves to translate human-friendly domain names, such as www.example.com, into IP addresses, which are numeric and necessary for locating and identifying devices on a network. The use of DNS simplifies the experience of using the internet, as users can remember easy-to-type domain names rather than complex numerical addresses.

The Domain Name System operates like a phone directory for the internet, allowing users to send requests to reach specific servers hosting websites or services. This hierarchical system consists of numerous servers that ensure that queries can be resolved efficiently and effectively across the vast network of the internet.

Understanding DNS is critical for grasping how the internet operates and how users access websites and services. It plays a key role in website performance, accessibility, and the overall functionality of the internet as it allows for the easy navigation of web resources.