What does the nslookup command do?

The nslookup command is a network utility used to query the Domain Name System (DNS) to obtain domain name or IP address mapping. When using nslookup, users can find both domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. This capability is essential for troubleshooting DNS issues, verifying domain name configurations, and performing reverse lookups to translate IP addresses back into domain names.

The utility can provide detailed information about any DNS record associated with a domain, such as A records (which map domain names to IPv4 addresses), AAAA records (which map domain names to IPv6 addresses), MX records (which map domain names to mail exchange servers), and others. By using nslookup, users obtain a comprehensive view of how domain names are connected to their respective network resources, making it a versatile tool in network management and security.

The other options focus on more specific functionalities that may not encapsulate the broader purpose of nslookup as a DNS querying tool. While it does assist with the identification of domain names and IP addresses, it serves a more extensive role within DNS management.