What is a DNS CNAME Record? | Definition, Function & Example
A DNS CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record) is a type of DNS record used to create an alias from one domain name to another. Instead of pointing to an IP address, a CNAME record points one domain (like www.example.com) to another domain (like example.com).
Key Functions of a DNS CNAME Record:
- Creates domain aliases: Lets you point multiple subdomains to a single domain.
- Simplifies DNS management: Updates to the target domain automatically apply to the alias.
- Supports CDN and third-party services: Used to point domains to external platforms like Shopify or GitHub Pages.
Example of a DNS CNAME Record:
www.example.com. IN CNAME example.com.Best Practices for DNS CNAME Records:
- Use CNAME records only for subdomains, not the root domain (use A or ALIAS instead).
- Ensure the target domain is stable and properly configured.
- Avoid CNAME chains (CNAME pointing to another CNAME), which can slow down resolution.