Which files are primarily used for DNS resolution?

The correct answer highlights the essential role that the /etc/hosts and /etc/resolv.conf files play in DNS resolution within a Linux environment.

The /etc/hosts file serves as a local static hostname resolution file. It allows the system to resolve hostnames to IP addresses without needing to query a DNS server. When a hostname is looked up, the system first consults this file. If the hostname is listed, the associated IP address is used directly. This can be particularly useful for resolving local or frequently used hostnames where immediate resolution is beneficial or when internet access is not available.

The /etc/resolv.conf file, on the other hand, is used to specify the DNS servers that the system should query for hostname resolution. It contains nameserver entries that tell the system which DNS server(s) to use to resolve external domain names. This configuration is critical for enabling the system to find resources on the internet or other networks, making it an integral part of DNS resolution.

Together, these two files form the backbone for hostname resolution in Linux, allowing both local and remote name resolution capabilities. This combination is crucial for network communication, making the correct option relevant and indispensable for understanding how DNS resolution works in a Linux environment.