Domains vs. IPs

• We use domains to access websites — but computers need IP addresses
• IP addresses are confusing for humans

127.0.0.1
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

DNS

(Domain Name System)

Maps Domains ⬌ IPs

DNS records

Each registered domain has a bunch of information attached to it—here’s some important entries:

• NS — The authoritative DNS information server
• A — The domain to IP mapping for the host
• MX — The email server location
• CNAME — A subdomain or alias for the A record

Leasing domains

• Leasing a domain registers it in the DNS
• And points the domain to an IP address — the host
• Also points to where email is sent and received

Don’t buy everything in one place

Don’t buy your hosting, email & domains all from the same place!

• It may be convenient to start but will get really annoying
• Difficulty switching — if you want to change host, well, now you likely have to change all services
• Security — if one is compromised they all are

CloudFlare

• Becomes our DNS server
• Provides performance boost
• Provides great security
• Provides better DNS solutions for hosting on GitHub

Videos & tutorials

• Domains & DNS ➔