Which command is most useful for troubleshooting name resolution problems?

The command that is particularly useful for troubleshooting name resolution problems is "dig." This command is designed to query DNS (Domain Name System) servers and provides detailed information about DNS records. Its ability to perform various types of DNS queries makes it an invaluable tool for diagnosing issues related to domain name resolution.

When using "dig," you can retrieve different types of records such as A (address), AAAA (IPv6 address), MX (mail exchange), and others. This level of detail is crucial when you need to understand why a domain may not be resolving correctly. Furthermore, "dig" can show the path taken through the DNS hierarchy, which is helpful for identifying where resolutions might be failing, whether it’s due to a local DNS server issue or a problem with the authoritative DNS server for the domain in question.

While other commands like "nslookup" can also perform DNS queries, "dig" often provides more comprehensive outputs and diagnostic information. It's favored by many network administrators for its clarity and extensive options, thereby making it more effective in addressing complex troubleshooting scenarios in name resolution.