What is the primary function of DNS in networking?

The primary function of DNS, or Domain Name System, in networking is to translate human-readable domain names into IP addresses. This is crucial because while humans find it easy to remember and use domain names like www.example.com, computers and networking devices communicate using numerical IP addresses. When a user enters a domain name in their web browser, a DNS query is initiated to resolve that name into the corresponding IP address so that the device can locate and communicate with the correct server on the internet.

This translation process is essential for the operation of most internet services, allowing users to access websites and services without needing to remember complex numerical addresses. The DNS system helps streamline this process and is a cornerstone of how the internet functions, enabling seamless navigation through a visually appealing and user-friendly naming structure.