dig

Additional Notes

dig queries DNS servers and prints detailed DNS answers. It is useful for troubleshooting domain names, records, resolvers, and propagation.

Compared with host or nslookup, dig gives more detailed output and is preferred by many administrators.

Syntax

dig [@server] name [type] [options]

Parameters

• options: Flags that change how dig behaves.
• name: Domain name or IP address to query.

Common Record Types

• A: IPv4 address.
• AAAA: IPv6 address.
• MX: Mail exchanger.
• NS: Name servers.
• TXT: Text records.
• CNAME: Canonical name alias.
• SOA: Start of authority.

Common Options

• +short: Print short answer only.
• +trace: Trace resolution from root servers.
• +noall +answer: Show only answer section.
• @SERVER: Query a specific DNS server.
• -x IP: Reverse DNS lookup.

Examples

dig example.com

Query default A records.

dig example.com +short

Show a short result.

dig example.com MX

Query mail records.

dig @8.8.8.8 example.com A

Ask a specific DNS resolver.

dig -x 8.8.8.8

Reverse lookup an IP address.

dig example.com +trace

Trace DNS resolution path.

Practical Notes

• DNS answers can differ between resolvers because of cache, split DNS, or propagation.
• Use +short for scripts and quick checks.
• Use resolvectl status to see system resolver settings on many systemd systems.
• DNS failure can break tools even when direct IP connectivity works.