DNS CNAME Record

A DNS CNAME record makes one hostname an alias of another hostname. For example, a business might configure a subdomain to follow a hosting provider's designated hostname instead of maintaining a separate fixed IP address. A CNAME does not directly store the final server's IPv4 address; that resolution happens through the target hostname's DNS records. This distinguishes it from an A record. CNAME use also has restrictions in standard DNS configurations, particularly where other records must coexist at the same name. Website owners should follow their provider's exact setup instructions rather than copying records from another business, because a mistaken DNS change can interrupt web or email services.