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Home / Internet Basics / CNAME Records
Internet Basics
What is CNAME Records?
CNAME records, short for canonical name records, point one domain or subdomain name to another domain name instead of directly to an IP address.
What they are
A CNAME record creates an alias from one name to another name.
Instead of pointing directly to an IP address, the alias points to another domain that will eventually resolve to the actual destination.
How they work
When a DNS lookup reaches a CNAME record, the resolver follows that alias to the canonical domain and continues resolving from there.
This makes CNAME records useful when a name should track another name rather than a fixed IP address.
Why they matter in real life
CNAME records matter because they simplify certain DNS setups, especially for subdomains, third-party service integrations, and platform-based hosting.
They are commonly used for app subdomains, SaaS verification flows, and flexible DNS routing patterns.
Common misconceptions
A common misconception is that a CNAME points to an IP address. It does not. It points to another domain name.
Another misconception is that CNAME is always interchangeable with A records. They serve different DNS purposes.
Related questions
What is a CNAME record in simple terms?
It is a DNS record that makes one name act like an alias for another domain name.
Can a CNAME point to an IP address?
No. It should point to another domain name.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this mean in simple terms?
What is CNAME Records? becomes easier to understand when you focus on the job it performs and how it fits into a bigger system.
Why is this worth learning?
Because understanding it makes related settings, tools, comparisons, and decisions much easier to follow.
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