named.conf

main configuration file for BIND, the most widely used DNS server software

TLDR

Basic options block

$ options { directory "/var/named"; };

Define zone

$ zone "example.com" { type master; file "example.com.zone"; };

Forward-only resolver

$ options { forwarders { 8.8.8.8; }; forward only; };

Allow queries from network

$ options { allow-query { 192.168.1.0/24; }; };

SYNOPSIS

/etc/named.conf or /etc/bind/named.conf

named.conf is the main configuration file for BIND (Berkeley Internet Name Domain), the most widely used DNS server software. It defines zones, options, and access controls.The configuration uses a C-like syntax with blocks and statements.

PARAMETERS

options

Global server options.

zone

Zone definition block.

acl

Access control list.

logging

Logging configuration.

view

View definition.

include

Include external file.

EXAMPLE CONFIG

$ acl internal { 192.168.0.0/16; localhost; };

options {
    directory "/var/named";
    allow-query { internal; };
    recursion yes;
    forwarders { 8.8.8.8; 8.8.4.4; };
};

zone "example.com" {
    type master;
    file "zones/example.com.zone";
};

CAVEATS

Syntax errors prevent BIND from starting. Use named-checkconf to validate. Permissions on zone files matter.