How To Export DNS Zone to CSV

Introduction

Exporting DNS zone data to CSV format can streamline data management and sharing. This process is crucial for maintaining organized and accessible DNS records.

In this guide, we detail the steps required to export DNS zone data to a CSV file. We also highlight common tools and practices to ensure data accuracy and integrity.

Finally, we explore how Sourcetable lets you analyze your exported data with AI in a simple-to-use spreadsheet.

How to Export DNS Zone Data to CSV Format

Using PowerShell

To export DNS records to a CSV file using PowerShell, you can leverage the Get-DnsServerResourceRecord and Get-DnsServerZone cmdlets. These cmdlets enable you to retrieve DNS zones and resource records efficiently.

You can export a single DNS zone or all DNS zones to CSV using the following steps:

1. Open PowerShell.

2. Use the Get-DnsServerResourceRecord cmdlet to export records. Example for a single zone:

Get-DnsServerResourceRecord -ZoneName "zone_name" | Export-Csv -Path "output.csv" -NoTypeInformation

Incorporate the Time to Live (TTL) property if required:

Get-DnsServerResourceRecord -ZoneName "zone_name" | Select-Object Name, RecordType, RecordClass, TimeToLive | Export-Csv -Path "output.csv" -NoTypeInformation

Using Export-DnsServerZone Cmdlet

The Export-DnsServerZone cmdlet exports DNS zone records to a file for troubleshooting. This file is located in the DNS directory (default: C:\Windows\System32\dns).

To export, run the following command:

Export-DnsServerZone -Name "zone_name" -FileName "output_file"

Note that this export format differs from the file-backed zonefile format.

Using DNS Made Easy

If you're using DNS Made Easy, exporting DNS records is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Log into your DNS Made Easy account.

2. Navigate to 'Managed DNS'.

3. Select the domain to export records for.

4. Go to 'Reporting' and choose your file type.

5. Click 'Export'.

This is useful for backups and cloning records to other nameservers.

Convert DNS Zone File to CSV

You can use commands like awk, sed, and coreutils to convert a DNS zone file to CSV format.

The awk command:
awk '{print $1,$3}' OFS=, infile

The sed command:
sed -r 's/([ \t]+)\s+A\s+([ \t]+)/\1,\2/' infile

The coreutils command:
tr -s ' ' < infile | cut --output-delimiter=, -d' ' -f1,3

Why Sourcetable is an Alternative for DNS Zone

Sourcetable is an innovative spreadsheet solution that collects all your data in one place from various data sources. This provides a unified view, simplifying data access and manipulation in a spreadsheet-like interface.

Unlike traditional DNS zone management, Sourcetable allows users to query their data in real-time directly from databases. This ensures up-to-date information and rapid decision-making without the complexity associated with DNS zone configurations.

Sourcetable's user-friendly, spreadsheet-like interface makes it easy to manipulate data without requiring deep technical knowledge. This democratizes data access and enables non-technical staff to perform sophisticated data queries and analyses efficiently.

With Sourcetable, you eliminate the need for specialized DNS zone tools. Its single-platform approach streamlines workflows by combining data collection, querying, and manipulation into one seamless process.

Conclusion

Exporting data from a DNS zone to a CSV file increases flexibility in managing and analyzing your DNS records. The process involves specific steps that ensure you accurately capture all relevant data.

Once exported, the CSV format is widely compatible and can be used in various analytical tools. It allows for better organization and easier sharing of your DNS zone information.

To gain deeper insights from your exported data, sign up for Sourcetable and effortlessly analyze your CSV files with AI in a simple to use spreadsheet.