What Pantheon Domain Management Does
Pantheon’s domain management allows users to connect their custom domain names to their websites hosted on the platform. This process involves configuring the Domain Name System (DNS) to point the domain name to Pantheon’s servers, ensuring that visitors can access the website using the desired custom domain.
Key Features and Functionality
Connecting Custom Domains
Users can connect their custom domain names to their Pantheon sites by following a series of steps. This includes verifying domain ownership, updating DNS records (such as A records and TXT records), and waiting for the DNS changes to propagate, which can take up to 30 minutes.
Platform Domains
Each environment on Pantheon (Dev, Test, Live, and Multidev) is accessible via a platform domain, following a predictable pattern. For example, dev-site-name.pantheonsite.io, test-site-name.pantheonsite.io, and live-site-name.pantheonsite.io.
DNS Configuration
Pantheon provides detailed instructions for configuring DNS settings specific to various DNS providers. Although Pantheon does not offer DNS management services, it guides users through the process of updating DNS records to point their domains to Pantheon’s servers.
Primary Domain Setting
Users can set a primary domain through the Pantheon dashboard, which is beneficial for organizing and managing multiple domains associated with a single site. Setting a primary domain helps in ensuring that the correct domain is used as the default for the site.
HTTPS Provisioning
Once a custom domain is connected, Pantheon can provision an HTTPS certificate on behalf of the user, enhancing the security of the website.
Environment Management
The Pantheon dashboard allows users to easily switch between different environments (Dev, Test, Live) for testing, updating, and managing their websites. This includes accessing the original Pantheon domain for each environment if needed.
Best Practices for Minimal Downtime
Pantheon provides recommendations for launching or migrating an existing site with minimal DNS-related downtime. This includes pre-flight checks and using local hosts files to test the domain before the DNS changes propagate.
Additional Security and Backup Features
Pantheon offers additional features such as automated backups, error logs, and security settings. Users can manage backups, set security locks for Dev and Test environments, and ensure public access to the Live environment as needed.
In summary, Pantheon’s domain management features are designed to make connecting and managing custom domains straightforward, secure, and efficient, ensuring that websites are accessible and well-maintained across different environments.