A DNS zone file is a key part of DNS (Domain Name System) and how domains function on the Internet. DNS consists of domains within the DNS namespace. There are also DNS zones, which are the physical location in which the information is saved. DNS zone files are text-based files that define a zone and include the contents of a DNS cache. They are the binding between domain names, IP addresses, and related sources.
The DNS zone file hosts all of the DNS records for the zone that are stored on the DNS server and are used by the authoritative DNS server to complete DNS lookups for the domain. They are managed by the domain administrator. Basically, it is an administrative space within the DNS ecosystem that establishes procedures for proper operations in association with the domain. Learn everything you need to know about the DNS zone file!