DNS records are essential components of the Domain Name System, which translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the internet. These records store various types of information about a domain, such as its associated IP address, mail server details, and other settings. There are several types of DNS records, including A records, which link a domain to an IP address, and MX records, which specify mail servers for email delivery. Each record type serves a specific purpose, helping to ensure that internet traffic is directed correctly and efficiently.