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Gridlode
Glossary

What is CNAME record?

A DNS alias that points one name at another name.

A CNAME makes www.example.com resolve wherever example-cdn.net resolves. A name with a CNAME can't have other records, which is why the bare domain usually uses A records or provider-specific flattening.

Related terms

  • TXT record: A DNS record holding free text, used for SPF, DMARC, domain verification and more.
  • NS record: A DNS record naming the authoritative name servers for a domain.
  • SOA record: The Start of Authority record with a zone's primary server, admin contact and timers.