DNS lookup
A DNS lookup asks for the current answer to a record such as A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, or CAA. It is useful when you want to inspect what a resolver returns for a specific hostname and record type.
DNS propagation
A propagation check compares answers from more than one resolver or region. It helps you see whether a recent DNS change is visible consistently or whether old cached answers still appear in some places.
Common mistakes
Do not assume one resolver tells the whole story immediately after a change. TTL, caching, and provider behavior can make results differ for a while. Also check the exact hostname, not only the root domain.
FAQ
Why do DNS answers vary?
Resolvers cache answers and refresh on their own schedule based on TTL and provider behavior.
Does propagation prove a website works?
No. It only shows DNS answers. Hosting, certificates, redirects, and application health are separate checks.