DNS basics — a quick reference

What DNS actually does

DNS (Domain Name System) connects your domain name to the server where the site lives. Think of it like a phonebook — when someone types `mayasbakery.com`, DNS looks up what server to send them to.

You manage DNS records inside your domain registrar (Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.) under the DNS settings panel.

A Record — points the domain to a server's IP

``` Type Host Value TTL A @ 198.51.100.25 Automatic A www 198.51.100.25 Automatic ```

• `@` means the root domain (`mayasbakery.com`)
• `www` means `www.mayasbakery.com`
• The value is the IP address your host gives you

CNAME Record — points a subdomain to another domain

Used when deploying to Vercel, Netlify, Webflow, etc. ``` Type Host Value TTL CNAME www mayasbakery.netlify.app Automatic ```

MX Record — controls where email is delivered

Don't touch these unless you're setting up Google Workspace or another email provider. Wrong MX records = the client stops receiving email.

TTL (Time to Live)

How long DNS records are cached before refreshing. Leave it on Automatic. Changes can take anywhere from 1 to 48 hours to fully propagate worldwide — this is normal.