CNAME RECORD - What? Why? How?

What is CNAME ?

CNAME is Canonical Name record, which is used to create alias for another domain. 


Why CNAME ?

If you want to create a local alias for a server, you need to create a CNAME.
Eg: If you want to access www.google.com with different name, for example www.testcname.com, from your computer, you have to create a CNAME.


How to create a CNAME ?

1. Open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts file
2. Add an entry in the below format and save.
   <ip address> <alias>
   For the above shown example it will be:
   <google ip> www.testcname.com
3. If your traffic goes through a proxy, you have to add "www.testcname.com" to proxy settings.
   On chrome, goto
   settings -> Advanced settings -> Change proxy settings -> connections tab -> LAN settings -> Advanced 
   And add "www.testcname.com" to exceptions.
4. Done. If you type www.testcname.com in the browser, it will goto www.google.com