How to use the command 'linode-cli domains' (with examples)

The linode-cli domains command is a powerful tool for managing Linode Domains and DNS configuration via the command line interface. This tool enables users to automate and script domain and DNS tasks without needing to log in to the Linode Manager’s graphical user interface. It serves as an efficient method for managing DNS records, creating new domains, and adjusting configurations on the fly.

Use case 1: Listing all managed domains

Code:

linode-cli domains list

Motivation:

In any environment where multiple domains are managed, keeping track of all these domains becomes crucial. By listing all domains, administrators or developers can quickly review and audit their current domain settings, ensuring that all configuration meets organizational or personal requirements.

Explanation:

• linode-cli: This calls the Linode Command Line Interface, which is the tool for interacting with Linode services.
• domains: Specifies that the command will be working with domain-related tasks.
• list: This action will retrieve and display a list of all domains that are currently managed within the account, providing their relevant details like domain name, type, and status.

Example output:

Domain ID  | Domain Name   | Type   | Status
----------------------------------------------
123456     | example.com   | master | active
123457     | test.org      | slave  | active

Use case 2: Creating a new managed domain

Code:

linode-cli domains create --domain example.com --type master --soa-email admin@example.com

Motivation:

Creating a new domain is an essential step when establishing a presence on the web, deploying new services, or organizing domains based on different projects or environments. This command simplifies domain creation, streamlining the setup of new web architecture without hassle.

Explanation:

• create: This action initializes the creation of a new domain.
• --domain example.com: Specifies the domain name to be created, which is essential for the logical identification of the web service.
• --type master: Denotes the type of the domain; a ‘master’ domain is typically the primary domain being managed.
• --soa-email admin@example.com: Sets the administrative email address that will receive DNS-related updates and notifications.

Example output:

Domain 'example.com' created with ID 123458.

Use case 3: Viewing details of a specific domain

Code:

linode-cli domains view 123456

Motivation:

Understanding the configuration of a specific domain is vital for tasks such as troubleshooting issues, verifying domain settings, and ensuring the domain is correctly pointed to its intended destination. This command allows users to delve into the details of a particular domain with ease.

Explanation:

• view: The action to retrieve detailed information about a specific domain.
• 123456: The domain ID, which uniquely identifies the domain whose details are being queried. It helps the server fetch the precise information related to this domain.

Example output:

Domain ID: 123456
Domain Name: example.com
Type: master
SOA Email: admin@example.com
Status: active

Use case 4: Deleting a managed domain

Code:

linode-cli domains delete 123456

Motivation:

At times, a domain may no longer be needed, whether due to a project wrapping up or reorganization of business needs. Deleting a domain frees up resources and simplifies management tasks by removing unnecessary records from the system.

Explanation:

• delete: This action will remove the specified domain entirely from the management system.
• 123456: The domain ID for the domain to be deleted ensures that only the intended domain is removed, preventing accidental disruption of other domains.

Example output:

Domain with ID 123456 has been deleted successfully.

Use case 5: Listing records for a specific domain

Code:

linode-cli domains records-list 123456

Motivation:

Listing DNS records is essential for checking how a domain is structured and understanding the pathways different services on the domain take. This command helps verify existing records and is a key step in troubleshooting DNS issues.

Explanation:

• records-list: Indicates that the goal is to retrieve all DNS records associated with a domain.
• 123456: The domain ID specifies which domain’s DNS records are being listed, ensuring precision in the data retrieved.

Example output:

Record Type | Record Name | Target
-------------------------------
A           | www         | 192.168.1.1
MX          | mail        | mail.example.com

Use case 6: Adding a DNS record to a domain

Code:

linode-cli domains records-create 123456 --type A --name www --target 192.168.1.1

Motivation:

DNS records serve numerous purposes, such as linking domain names to IP addresses (in the case of ‘A’ records), part of the backbone of domain functionality. Adding a record can be crucial for the addition of services or redirecting traffic as a part of broader infrastructure changes.

Explanation:

• records-create: Initiates the creation of a new DNS record.
• 123456: The domain ID for which the DNS record is being added.
• --type A: Designates the type of DNS record being added, with ‘A’ indicating an address record.
• --name www: Specifies the name or subdomain for which this record applies.
• --target 192.168.1.1: The target value or destination for this DNS record, often an IP address.

Example output:

DNS record with ID 123 produced for domain ID 123456.

Use case 7: Updating a DNS record for a domain

Code:

linode-cli domains records-update 123456 123 --target 192.168.1.2

Motivation:

Updating DNS records is a common task, such as when migrating servers or changing service configurations. This ensures that traffic is directed to the new, correct target, maintaining service availability without disruptions.

Explanation:

• records-update: Indicates the intention to modify an existing DNS record.
• 123456: The domain ID to which the record belongs.
• 123: The unique record ID, specifying which record will be updated.
• --target 192.168.1.2: The new destination or IP address for the DNS record.

Example output:

DNS record with ID 123 updated successfully for domain ID 123456.

Use case 8: Deleting a DNS record from a domain

Code:

linode-cli domains records-delete 123456 123

Motivation:

Removing an outdated or unnecessary DNS record can prevent confusion, misrouting of traffic, and potential security issues. Deleting records helps maintain clean and effective domain management.

Explanation:

• records-delete: Action to remove an existing DNS record.
• 123456: The domain ID containing the record.
• 123: The specific record ID for the DNS entry to be deleted, ensuring accurate targeting for deletion.

Example output:

DNS record with ID 123 deleted from domain ID 123456.

Conclusion:

The linode-cli domains command stands out as a versatile tool for managing domains and their associated DNS records via a command-line interface. This capability is particularly useful for system administrators, developers, and IT professionals who require efficient, scripted, and repeatable management of their online resources. From creating domains to manipulating individual DNS records, each command offers targeted features, simplifying complex tasks into straightforward operations.