Bootstrap new hosts in an existing zone
This recipe fits the case where several hostnames must be created for a new service, such as api, app, or status. The flow combines inventory, creation, and direct verification.
Prerequisites
- an API key with access to the DNS endpoints
- an existing zone managed through regfish DNS
- target values for the new hosts, such as IP addresses or CNAME targets
- a naming convention for technical and public hostnames
Step 1: Inspect the existing zone
Before creating new hosts, inspect the current zone so you can avoid collisions and detect early whether a hostname is already in use.
curl --request GET \
--url 'https://api.regfish.com/dns/example.com/rr' \
--header 'x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY'Step 2: Create the first host
For example, create an API host with a direct IPv4 target.
curl --request POST \
--url 'https://api.regfish.com/dns/rr' \
--header 'content-type: application/json' \
--header 'x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY' \
--data '
{
"type": "A",
"name": "api.example.com.",
"data": "203.0.113.20",
"ttl": 300,
"annotation": "bootstrap-api"
}
'The response returns the new id, which should be stored for verification.
Step 3: Create another host as a CNAME
For web or routing entry points, a CNAME is often a good fit.
curl --request POST \
--url 'https://api.regfish.com/dns/rr' \
--header 'content-type: application/json' \
--header 'x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY' \
--data '
{
"type": "CNAME",
"name": "app.example.com.",
"data": "api.example.com.",
"ttl": 300,
"annotation": "bootstrap-app"
}
'Step 4: Verify the created records directly
Once you have stored the RRIDs returned by the create calls, fetch the records individually.
curl --request GET \
--url 'https://api.regfish.com/dns/rr/5001' \
--header 'x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY'Check:
- that
idmatches the value returned by the create call - that
name,type, anddatawere stored correctly - that
ttland annotations were written as intended
Practical notes for production workflows
- always inspect the zone before creating new records
- use consistent TTLs for newly bootstrapped service records
- store technical origin or service names in annotations
- keep the new RRIDs immediately so later updates remain explicit
- treat bootstrap and later desired-state synchronization as separate workflows
Result
This workflow lets you add new hosts to an existing zone quickly and in a controlled way. It is especially useful for new services, staging environments, or standardized platform provisioning.
Become part of the community
The regfish DNS API is a great solution for developers who want to automate domains and DNS zones. Become part of the community and benefit from DNS automation. The DNS API is available free of charge to every regfish customer.