# Record Set

#### Overview

A record set is a collection of resource records that belong to the same domain name. A record set defines DNS record types and values.

If you have created a zone on the DNS console, you can create record sets to expand the domain name or record its detailed information.

Table 1 describes the record set types and their application scenarios.

Table 1 Record set usages
Type | Where to Use | Usage
--- | --- | ---
A | Public and private zones | Maps domains to IPv4 addresses.
CNAME | Public and private zones | Maps one domain name to another or multiple domain names to one domain name.
MX | Public and private zones | Maps domain names to email servers.
AAAA | Public and private zones | Maps domain names to IPv6 addresses.

TXT

Public and private zones

Specifies text records. TXT record sets are usually used in the following scenarios:

- To record DKIM public keys to prevent email fraud.
- To record the identity of domain name owners to facilitate domain name retrieval.

SRV | Public and private zones | Records servers providing specific services.

NS

Public and private zones

Delegates subdomains to other name servers.

- For public zones, an NS record set is automatically created, and you can add NS records for subdomains.
- For private zones, an NS record set is automatically created, and you cannot add other NS record sets.

SOA | Public and private zones | Specifies the master authoritative DNS server for a domain name. The SOA record set is created by the system and cannot be added manually.
CAA | Public zone | Grants certificate issuing permissions to CAs. CAA record sets can be used to prevent the issuance of unauthorized HTTPS certificates.
PTR | Private zone | Maps IP addresses to domain names.

#### Usage

Record sets are used in following scenarios:

- Website domain name resolution

  A and AAAA record sets are usually used to build websites. They translate domain names into IP addresses.

  Figure 1 Website domain name resolution
- Private domain name resolution

  On a private network, A and AAAA record sets translate private domain names into private IP addresses.

  Figure 2 Private domain name resolution
- Email domain name resolution

  MX, CNAME, and TXT record sets are usually used for email services.

  Figure 3 Email domain name resolution
- Reverse resolution on a private network

  You can use PTR records to translate private IP addresses into private domain names.

  Figure 4 Reverse resolution on a private network

#### Helpful Links

For details, see Overview.

Parent topic: Product Concepts