Overview
The `host` command is the simplest DNS lookup tool for converting domain names to IP addresses or IP addresses to domain names. Instead of providing detailed information section by section like `dig`, it neatly displays only the essential information needed. This makes it very convenient for processing DNS information in scripts or for quick human verification. While `nslookup` is considered an outdated tool, `host`, along with `dig`, is a recommended DNS tool in modern Linux systems.
Key Features
The key features of the `host` command are as follows:
- Outputs DNS query results in a concise and human-readable format.
- Can query A, AAAA, MX, NS, and other records for a domain.
- Supports reverse lookup functionality to convert IP addresses to domain names.
- Easy to use in scripts.
host vs dig
host provides the same DNS lookup functionality as dig, but differs in output format.
- host: Outputs concise and essential information only. Suitable for automation scripts or quick checks.
- dig: Outputs very detailed and structured information. Suitable for analyzing DNS server behavior or complex troubleshooting.
Key Options
The `host` command allows controlling query methods through various options.
1) Query Options
2) Output Control
3) Help
Generated command:
Try combining the commands.
Description:
`host` Executes the command.
Combine the above options to virtually execute commands with AI.
Usage Examples
Learn the functionalities of the `host` command through various usage examples.
Query A Record of a Domain
host google.comQueries the IPv4 address of `google.com`. `A` records are queried by default.
Query Mail Server (MX) Record
host -t MX naver.comQueries the mail server information for `naver.com`.
Reverse IP Address Lookup
host 8.8.8.8Performs a reverse lookup for the domain name corresponding to Google's DNS server IP address `8.8.8.8`.
Query with Specific DNS Server
host google.com 8.8.8.8Queries the IP address of `google.com` using Google's DNS server (`8.8.8.8`).
Query All Records for a Domain
host -a google.comQueries all record information for `google.com` using the `-a` option.
Installation
`host` is part of the `dnsutils` or `bind-utils` packages. It's usually installed by default on most systems, but if not, you can install it using the following commands.
Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y dnsutilsRHEL/CentOS/Fedora
sudo dnf install -y bind-utilsArch Linux
sudo pacman -S --needed bindTips & Cautions
Here are some points to note when using the `host` command.
Tips
- Since `host` has a much simpler output than `dig`, it is more convenient to use `host` when DNS information is needed in scripts.
- If the `host` command does not work correctly, you should check if the DNS servers configured in your system's `/etc/resolv.conf` file are correct.
- It only supports non-interactive mode, so for executing multiple queries consecutively, it's better to write a script or use `dig`.