# Iterative Resolver

An Iterative Resolver is part of a [DNS server](/glossary/d/dns_server). It navigates the [DNS](/glossary/d/dns) tree to find any available DNS data in order to determine which domain name resolves into what particular IP address.

The resolve process is done through **iteration**. The resolver starts from the top - the **root domain**, and works its way through the DNS tree until it receives an answer.

All data received during a query is placed in the [resolver cache](/glossary/r/resolver_cache). The data remains cached according to [Time-To-Live](/glossary/t/ttl).