---
name: "ixplore"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "powerdns"
version: "5.1.5-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/ixplore"
---

# ixplore(1)

A tool that provides insights into IXFRs

## NAME

ixplore - A tool that provides insights into IXFRs

## SYNOPSIS

**ixplore** *COMMAND* *COMMAND\_OPT*...

**ixplore** diff *ZONE* *BEFORE* *AFTER*

**ixplore** track *IP ADDRESS* *PORT* *ZONE* *DIRECTORY*

## DESCRIPTION

**ixplore** is a tool to work with IXFR (incremental zonetransfers) in two modes (specified by *COMMAND*): diff or track.

In the 'diff' mode, it will show a [diff(1)](/diff/1.md)-like output between *BEFORE* and *AFTER*.

In the 'track' mode, **ixplore** consumes IXFRs from *IP ADDRESS* and writes the resulting zonefiles out to *DIRECTORY*/*ZONE*-serial. If no initial zonefiles exist, an initial AXFR will be done first. **ixplore** will then check the SOA serial on *IP ADDRESS* for *ZONE* every SOA Refresh seconds and perform an IXFR if the serial has increased.

## OPTIONS

## DIFF-MODE

- **ZONE**

  The name of the zone from which the IXFRs are consumed.

- **BEFORE**

  Path to the 'before' zonefile.

- **AFTER**

  Path to the 'after' zonefile.

## TRACK-MODE

- **IP ADDRESS**

  The IP address to consume IXFRs from.

- **PORT**

  The port to use on *IP ADDRESS*.

- **ZONE**

  Name of the zone to track changes of.

- **DIRECTORY**

  Directory where the zonefiles will be stored.

## SEE ALSO

[diff(1)](/diff/1.md)

## AUTHOR

PowerDNS.COM BV

## COPYRIGHT

PowerDNS.COM BV