# Learn DNS

Canonical: https://learndns.org/

> How a name becomes an address. Eight parts, from HOSTS.TXT to DNSSEC, encrypted transports, and the records you actually publish.

Every lookup starts the same way: something asks for a name, and DNS answers with data. These lessons follow that system in order. Part 1 is the history that explains the odd corners. Part 2 is the protocol. Later parts cover registration, attacks, operations, and what is changing now.

New to DNS? Start with [the pre-DNS era](/learn/1-1-pre-dns-era/). If you already know what a resolver is, [the resolution process](/learn/2-2-resolution-process/) is the shortest path into the machinery.

Progress checkmarks stay in this browser. They are not an account, and the site does not send them anywhere.