namecheap-domain-dns-ops

name	namecheap-domain-dns-ops
description	Use when planning or reviewing domain and DNS operations for domains registered at Namecheap. Inventories domain, nameserver, and host-record signals in a repo, checks whether the workflow belongs in Namecheap or a third-party DNS provider, and produces a concrete DNS operations plan instead of ad hoc panel clicking.

Namecheap Domain DNS Ops

Overview

Use this skill when a project depends on domains registered at Namecheap and the problem is DNS or cutover operations, not generic branding or naming.

This skill focuses on:

• whether DNS is actually managed in Namecheap
• host-record versus nameserver changes
• repo-visible domain and verification needs
• cutover and drift risks

Default Workflow

1. Inventory the domain surface

Start with the helper:

skills/namecheap-domain-dns-ops/scripts/inspect-domain-dns-surface.sh \
  --repo /path/to/project

Use it to identify:

• domain names mentioned in env files, docs, or config
• DNS-provider markers
• common verification and record patterns like A, CNAME, TXT, MX, CAA

2. Check whether Namecheap is the real DNS control plane

Before planning record work, verify:

• whether the domain uses Namecheap BasicDNS, FreeDNS, or PremiumDNS
• or whether the domain is delegated to custom nameservers and DNS must be changed elsewhere

Do not assume “registered at Namecheap” means “DNS managed at Namecheap.”

3. Review record and cutover intent

Explicitly identify:

• apex/root-domain needs
• www and subdomain routing
• email or verification records
• certificate or CAA needs
• whether a nameserver change would wipe assumptions about host records

4. Produce a DNS ops plan

Write a concise plan with:

• current domain and DNS surface
• whether Namecheap is the right place to make changes
• missing records or cutover risks
• recommended next step

Default output location:

docs/infrastructure/YYYY-MM-DD-namecheap-dns-ops.md

Output Contract

Minimum sections:

• summary
• current domain surface
• DNS control-plane review
• record and cutover review
• next steps

Common Mistakes

• editing Namecheap host records when the domain uses custom nameservers
• planning CNAME usage at the apex without checking the provider model
• changing nameservers without recreating required records on the new DNS provider
• mixing registrar tasks with DNS-hosting tasks