OctoDNS — Managing DNS Like Code
DNS isn’t complicated until you try to keep dozens of zones in sync across multiple providers. That’s when you realize that clicking through web panels doesn’t scale. OctoDNS fixes this by letting you manage DNS records as plain files, version them in Git, and push changes to different providers in one go.
It’s not a hosted service — it’s a set of Python tools that talk to DNS provider APIs. You define your zones in YAML, run OctoDNS, and it figures out what needs to change, adding, updating, or removing records as needed.
How It Feels in Use
The first time you run it, OctoDNS compares your YAML files with what’s actually live. It prints a plan showing exactly what will change. Only when you’re happy do you apply it, and those changes hit every provider you’ve configured. That makes testing safe and migrations far less stressful.
Technical Snapshot
| Attribute | Detail |
| Platform | Cross-platform (Python-based) |
| Config Format | YAML zone files |
| Providers | AWS Route53, Cloudflare, Google Cloud DNS, Azure DNS, and more |
| Mode | Plan (dry-run) and Apply |
| Version Control | Store configs in Git for change tracking |
| License | MIT |
Typical Workflow
1. Write Zone Files – Describe all records in YAML.
2. Set Up Providers – Add API keys for each DNS provider.
3. Run Plan – See what changes will be made.
4. Apply – Push updates to all providers at once.
5. Review History – Use Git logs to track DNS changes.
Setup Notes
– Requires Python 3.x and pip to install.
– Each provider needs an API key or credentials.
– Can be run locally, in CI pipelines, or from an automation server.
Where It Shines
– Keeping multi-provider DNS in sync without manual duplication.
– Migrating zones between providers with minimal downtime.
– Auditing changes via Git history.
Practical Observations
– “Plan” mode is a lifesaver — you see exactly what’s going to change before it happens.
– Works well in GitOps setups — merge a PR, pipeline runs OctoDNS, DNS updates happen automatically.
– Adding a new provider is as simple as adding a config block.
Limitations
– Doesn’t replace DNS providers — it just manages them.
– YAML syntax errors will stop a run cold; validation in CI is recommended.
– Provider support depends on community-maintained drivers.
Similar Tools
Terraform DNS providers – Broader IaC approach with more setup overhead.
dnscontrol – Another multi-provider DNS as code tool.
Native provider tools – Fine for single-provider setups, but not for multi-cloud.
