What does DNS stand for and what is its function?

DNS stands for Domain Name System, and its primary function is to translate human-friendly domain names, such as www.example.com, into IP addresses, which are used by computers to identify each other on the network. This translation process is essential because while humans find it easier to remember names, computers communicate using numerical IP addresses.

The Domain Name System thus serves as a crucial component of the internet's infrastructure, enabling users to access websites and other resources without needing to memorize complex numerical values. By functioning as a directory for the internet, DNS simplifies the navigation of the web and ensures that users can reliably reach their desired online destinations. This seamless linking of domain names to their corresponding IP addresses is fundamental to the user experience on the internet.