The DNS zone is a plain text file containing all of the DNS records for the domain. The DNS, as you may know, is a complicated system that serves as a global database of domain names and IP addresses. As a result, a Domain name system zone is essential for the domain name system to function.

DNS zone – meaning

The DNS zone is a minor but essential part of the Domain Name System (DNS) namespace. It’s an operating segment that lets DNS administrators control and regulate their networks. There are likely a lot of DNS zones that use the same DNS server as you. Therefore, it is easier to handle the entire namespace.

Furthermore, the complete Domain Name System (DNS) exists due to these divisions.

What is Master DNS zone and why do you need it?

For example, one Domain name system zone could be applicable for .net, domain.net, blog.domain.net, and so on. However, examining a specific subdomain as a standalone website will necessitate devoted administration. As a result, that subdomain will be required to have its zone.

What is a DNS zone file?

Each of the delegated divisions, known as DNS zones, has its own DNS zone file, in which the zone’s DNS administrator can include instructions, settings, authentication mechanisms, and more. They take the form of DNS records, which are simple text instructions that other computers, and occasionally people, can read and comprehend.

DNS zone structure

The zone file, as previously said, provides all of the information about the records. The following is the basic structure:

  • TTL or time-to-live information
  • Domain name 
  • SOA record information
  • NS record information
  • MX record 
  • A record
  • CNAME record

Please note that this is only an example of what could be stored in the zone file. In other words, different types of documents can be stored as well.

Why is it important?

Thanks to the DNS zone, the complete Domain system namespace administration is more manageable and more controllable. Furthermore, the Domain Name System (DNS) provides decentralization and organization by breaking it into tiny pieces.

If you want it to work efficiently and correctly, you need to point your domain name to various servers, such as web servers, mail servers, and so on. To do so, you’ll need to create a DNS zone and add all of the different Domain Name System record types that you’ll require.