What Is a DNS Lookup?
DNS or Domain Name System is responsible for converting hostnames (such as freenamemaker.com) to a computer-friendly IP address (164.92.77.110). For easier browsing, end-users enter domain names or URLs in the search bar. A DNS server processes your request to display the website you're looking for, translating the hostname into a respective IP address understandable for the browser.
In simpler words, a DNS lookup is similar to a map or phone book search that the browsers perform to find the addresses of the website you request to see.
Users need to have the proper address to reach specific information or a website. Smart devices, including PCs, laptops, phones, tablets, and TVs, communicate over the web using a series of numbers called IP addresses. Although these devices find them simple to work with, memorizing complex IP numeric addresses isn't exactly desirable for the end-user. That's why DNS resolution converts user-friendly domains into computer-friendly IP addresses, making it easier for users and browsers to search and find what they're looking for.
Forward DNS lookup
A forward DNS lookup involves using an Internet domain name to find an IP address. It is performed by the browser every time you enter a URL inside the address bar. When a URL is entered, the browser transmits the address to a nearby router which performs a forward DNS lookup using a routing table to locate the IP address.
Our DNS lookup tool allows you to perform a forward lookup and enter a user-friendly hostname to get the IP or dot address of the website.
Reverse DNS lookup
Reverse DNS lookups are used much less frequently. They involve providing an IP address to get the domain name of a website. Since users use domain names instead of IP addresses, reverse DNS lookups are much less common.
Email servers often use reverse DNS lookups to identify valid recipients.