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A domain name resolver is software that obtains DNS information for a requested domain name and record type. A resolver may be a small client-side component that forwards a request, or a recursive resolver that finds an answer by checking its cache or querying other DNS servers.
What a domain name resolver does
When a program needs DNS information about a name, it gives the name and the kind of record it needs to a resolver. The resolver obtains the requested information and returns a DNS response. A request might seek an address record, for example, but the resolver’s role is broader than translating names into IP addresses.
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The resolver is software or a software function, not inherently a physical device. RFC 9499, the IETF’s 2024 terminology reference, reproduces RFC 1034’s description: “The resolver is located on the same machine as the program that requests the resolver’s services, but it may need to consult name servers on other hosts.” RFC 9499
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How a DNS lookup travels
- A program requests DNS information. It supplies a domain name and a record type to a resolver function.
- A stub resolver forwards the request. This client-side resolver generally relies on another resolver to do the broader work.
- A recursive resolver handles the lookup. If it has a usable cached answer, it may return that. Otherwise, it can query other DNS servers to obtain the information.
- Authoritative servers provide zone data. The recursive resolver consults authoritative servers, or other servers along the way, as needed. An authoritative server answers from data for the zone it serves.
- The response returns to the requester. In recursive mode, when recursion is requested and available, the server returns an answer or an error rather than asking the requester to follow a referral.
DNS does not require every client or deployment to have exactly these component boundaries. RFC 1035 describes a resolver asking a known name server and receiving either the desired information or a referral to another server. With iterative behavior, the resolver follows referrals itself; the next server is not found on the requester’s behalf by that responding server. RFC 1035 RFC 1034
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Stub resolver, recursive resolver and authoritative server
| Role | What it does | How it relates to a lookup |
|---|---|---|
| Stub resolver | Forwards DNS requests and generally depends on another resolver for broader resolution. | Commonly runs on the client side and sends a request to a recursive resolver. |
| Recursive resolver | Acts in recursive mode, returning an answer or an error when recursion is available and requested. | May answer from a local cache or query other DNS servers, including authoritative servers. |
| Authoritative name server | Holds authoritative DNS data for its zone. | Provides answers from that zone data when consulted during resolution. |
These are distinct functions, but they do not necessarily require separate machines or software products. DNS server software can combine roles. “DNS server” is often used broadly for a system that handles DNS requests; “resolver” identifies the function or role of obtaining information for a requester.
Does a recursive resolver always cache answers?
No. A recursive resolver may use a cached answer, but caching is not part of the absolute definition of a resolver or a requirement for every recursive resolver. RFC 9499 notes that recursive resolvers are generally expected to cache, while some may not. RFC 9499
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