DNS Toys (2022) (dns.toys)

Article summary

The article introduces dns.toys, a DNS server that offers various utilities and services, such as shortcut functions and unit conversions, accessible via the command line. The services are provided without guarantees or warranties. Users can try out the services by running specific commands. The project's goal is to provide handy utilities and services over DNS.

Main themes

• DNS protocol
• Creative uses of DNS
• Reliability and limitations
• Geodesy and unit conversions
• VoIP and NAT traversal
• Custom DNS resolvers
• TTLs and caching
• Innovative uses of existing protocols

What commenters say

• The dns.toys project is a creative and fun use of the DNS protocol.
• Some commenters find the project's approach to providing services over DNS to be simpler and more reliable than traditional methods.
• Others question the point of using DNS for these services, citing potential complications and limitations.
• The use of a custom DNS resolver allows dns.toys to return arbitrary responses to queries, making it possible to provide a wide range of services.
• Some commenters note that the project's approach could be useful for certain applications, such as geodesy or VoIP.
• Others point out potential issues with the project's approach, such as the lack of respect for TTLs by some ISP caches.
• The project's use of DNS as a protocol for providing services is seen as both innovative and potentially problematic by different commenters.
• The dns.toys project has sparked a discussion about the potential uses and limitations of the DNS protocol.