An ALIAS record is a type of DNS (Domain Name System) record used to map a domain name to another domain name. Unlike a traditional DNS record like a CNAME (Canonical Name) record, which maps a domain to another domain, an ALIAS record allows you to map a domain to another domain at the root level.
In simpler terms, ALIAS records are often used when you want to point your domain (e.g., example.com) to another domain (e.g., another-example.com) without changing the URL in the browser’s address bar. This is particularly useful when you are working with content delivery networks (CDNs) or other services that require your domain to be configured at the root level.
ALIAS records are not a standard DNS record type and are specific to certain DNS providers or services. Some DNS providers use different terms for similar functionality, such as ANAME or CNAME flattening. The specific implementation may vary, so it’s essential to refer to the documentation of your DNS provider for accurate information on how to set up and use ALIAS records.
How Do ALIAS Records Work ?
ALIAS records work by allowing you to map a domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com) to another domain name (e.g., your-cdn-provider.com) at the root level. This is particularly useful when you want to associate your domain with a service or content delivery network (CDN) without changing the domain that users see in their browsers.
Here’s a basic explanation of how ALIAS records work:
- Domain Mapping:
- You have a domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com) that you want to point to another domain (e.g., your-cdn-provider.com) where your content is hosted or served.
- Create ALIAS Record:
- Instead of using a traditional CNAME record, which can’t be used at the root level of a domain, you create an ALIAS record. This record is specific to certain DNS providers and services.
- Dynamic Resolution:
- When someone types your domain into a browser (e.g., www.yourdomain.com), the DNS resolver checks for the ALIAS record associated with that domain.
- Resolution to Target Domain:
- The ALIAS record dynamically resolves to the target domain (e.g., your-cdn-provider.com), and the browser is then directed to the IP address associated with that target domain.
- Transparent Redirection:
- The user’s browser is redirected to the content hosted on the target domain. Importantly, the domain in the browser’s address bar remains your original domain (e.g., yourdomain.com), providing a seamless and transparent experience for users.
- CDN or Service Integration:
- ALIAS records are commonly used when integrating with CDNs or other services that require your domain to be configured at the root level. This allows for efficient content delivery and optimal performance.
It’s important to note that the term “ALIAS” itself is not a standard DNS record type, and different DNS providers or services may use variations such as ANAME or CNAME flattening. The key idea is to achieve the ability to point a domain to another domain at the root level while maintaining the original domain in the browser’s address bar. Always refer to the documentation of your specific DNS provider or service for accurate information on setting up ALIAS records.
Alias Records is a small American indie-rock record label based in Lexington, Kentucky. [1]
Alias has released albums by American Music Club, Archers of Loaf, Yo La Tengo, The Magnolias, The Loud Family, Too Much Joy and Knapsack, among others.
Alias Records was formed in 1988 in San Francisco, California, affiliated with Recording Studio SOMA Sync. The following year Alias Records opened a second office under the guidance of owner Delight Hanover-Jenkins in Burbank, California, and was affiliated with the recording studio Royaltone Studio. Hanover-Jenkins oversaw the development of both companies.
The roster included Archers of Loaf.[1] Having several releases in the Alias catalog, a deal was made with Merge Records in 2011 to re-issue four of the LPs with various singles and outtakes. Another notable band, Yo La Tengo, had their first Alias release come out in 1992, May I Sing, followed by Upside Down, an extra-long EP that actually contained an LP’s worth of material. The band signed to Matador Records and has released several full-length LPs and a compilation of previously released material containing some of the Alias tracks.
American Music Club, a San Francisco band whose frontman was Mark Eitzel, received many accolades from the music press, but found little commercial success. Having two releases in the Alias Records catalog, the full-length LP Everclear and the CD-EP Rise, they also went on to record albums for Reprise Records and, after reforming in 2004, for Merge Records.
Barry Black (Archers of Loaf frontman Eric Bachmann’s side project) also had releases on Alias. Other notable artists who recorded with Alias include Blithe, Caustic Resin, Distortion Felix, Harm Farm, Lida Husik, Paul K, Matt Keating, Knapsack, Loud Family, Throneberry, Trunk Federation, The Scourge of the Sea, and Neva Geoffrey. Alias Records has continued to distribute its back catalog.
[1] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alias_Records