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