The Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental component of the internet that translates human-friendly domain names, like www.example.com, into IP addresses, which are used by computers to identify each other on the network. This system allows users to access websites without needing to remember complex numerical addresses. DNS operates through a hierarchical structure, consisting of various servers that store and manage domain name information. When a user types a domain name into their browser, a DNS query is initiated, and the system resolves the name to its corresponding IP address, enabling seamless navigation across the web.