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| Chapter 11 nslookup |

## 11.2 Interactive Versus Noninteractive

Let's start our tutorial on `nslookup` by looking at how to start it and how to exit from it. `nslookup` can be run either interactively or noninteractively. If you only want to look up one piece of data, use the noninteractive form. If you plan on doing something more extensive, like changing servers or options, then use an interactive session.

To start an interactive session, just type `nslookup`:

>     % nslookup
>     Default Server:  terminator.movie.edu
>     Address:  0.0.0.0

>     > ^D

If you need help, type `?` or `help`. When you want to exit, type `^D` (control-D). If you try to exit from `nslookup` by interrupting it, with `^C` (or whatever your interrupt character is), you won't get very far. `nslookup` catches the interrupt, stops whatever it is doing (like a zone transfer), and gives you the `>` prompt.

For a noninteractive lookup, include the name you are looking up on the command line:

>     % nslookup carrie
>     Server:  terminator.movie.edu
>     Address:  0.0.0.0

>     Name:    carrie.movie.edu
>     Address: 192.253.253.4

11.1 Is nslookup a Good Tool? |  | 11.3 Option Settings