What is the primary function of the Domain Name System (DNS)?

The primary function of the Domain Name System (DNS) is to convert IP addresses into user-friendly domain names. This process simplifies the way users access websites, as most people find it easier to remember names like "www.example.com" than a complex string of numbers that represent an IP address. When a user enters a web address in their browser, the DNS translates that domain name into the corresponding IP address, allowing the browser to locate and connect to the server hosting the website.

By handling this translation, DNS acts as a critical component of the internet's functionality, enabling a user-friendly experience while accessing resources online. This system makes it possible for users to navigate the internet efficiently without needing to understand the underlying numerical addresses that identify resources on the network.