How do you read DNS query results accurately?

dig output structure:

• name TTL class type value
• tidalmail.com. 3600 IN TXT "v=spf1..."

Key elements:

• TTL: How long to cache (seconds)
• Type: Record type (TXT, MX, A, etc.)
• Value: The actual content

TXT record quirks:

• Outer quotes are display formatting, not content
• Multiple quoted strings get concatenated
• "first part" "second part" = one value

MX records:

• Include priority number before hostname
• 10 mail.tidalmail.com.
• Trailing dots on hostnames are normal in full DNS output.
• Understanding registry notation. Know how to interpret the document format.