CNAME Flattening: When Your Root Domain Needs a CNAME
Root domains (apex domains) can’t technically be a CNAME record according to DNS specifications, but many modern DNS providers offer CNAME flattening to work around this limitation. This technique resolves the target of what would be a CNAME and returns the actual A/AAAA records on your behalf. The Problem: DNS Specifications vs. Modern Needs The DNS RFC specifications state that a CNAME record cannot coexist with other record types at the same label. Since root domains typically need other essential records (like MX for email, NS for nameservers), traditional CNAME records are prohibited at the apex. ...