How to use dig, nslookup, or host for DNS testing?

Common DNS command-line tools:

dig (most detailed):

dig TXT tidalmail.com

dig @8.8.8.8 MX tidalmail.com +short

dig -x 192.0.2.1 (reverse lookup)

nslookup (simpler):

nslookup -type=TXT tidalmail.com

nslookup -type=MX tidalmail.com 8.8.8.8

host (brief output):

host -t TXT tidalmail.com

host -t MX tidalmail.com

Tips:

+short flag in dig for minimal output

Specify server with @ to control which resolver

Use +trace in dig for full resolution path

dig is preferred for detailed troubleshooting.

Different query tools, same registry. Choose based on how much detail you need.