Common DNS record types
- A record: Points your domain to an IPv4 server address.
- AAAA record: Points your domain to an IPv6 server address.
- CNAME record: Points one name to another name, commonly used for www.
- MX record: Tells email where to deliver messages.
- TXT record: Used for SPF, DKIM, DMARC and service verification.
- CAA record: Controls which certificate authorities can issue SSL certificates.
Common mistakes
- Adding two conflicting records for the same hostname.
- Pointing root domain and www to different services accidentally.
- Deleting email records while setting up website hosting.
- Using the wrong hostname, such as writing the full domain when only @ is needed.
Best practice
Keep a simple record of every DNS change: date, old value, new value and reason. This makes rollback much easier if something breaks.