A domain name is converted to an IP address through a process called DNS (Domain Name System) resolution. Here's how it works:
The user types a domain name into their browser (e.g. www.example.com).
The browser sends a request for the IP address associated with the domain name to a DNS resolver, which is typically provided by the user's internet service provider (ISP).
The DNS resolver checks its cache to see if it has the IP address associated with the domain name already stored. If it does, it returns the IP address to the browser.
If the DNS resolver does not have the IP address in its cache, it sends a request to a root DNS server. The root server responds with the IP address of a top-level domain (TLD) DNS server (e.g. .com, .org, etc.) associated with the domain name.
The DNS resolver then sends a request to the TLD DNS server, which responds with the IP address of the authoritative DNS server for the specific domain name.
The DNS resolver receives the IP address from the authoritative DNS server and stores it in its cache.
The DNS resolver returns the IP address to the browser, which then uses it to connect to the web server hosting the domain name.
This process happens very quickly, typically in milliseconds, so the user does not notice the delay. Additionally, DNS resolution is a hierarchical process, so a DNS resolver can ask other DNS servers for the IP address of a domain name if it doesn't have it in its cache.
