Nslookup and dig are command line tools used to query DNS servers and look up DNS records like A, MX, and NS records. Nslookup has both an interactive and command line mode, while dig is easier to use but performs the same functions. These tools are useful for troubleshooting DNS and connectivity issues by comparing results across different DNS servers and ensuring zone data propagation. DNSStuff.com is recommended as a better way to view and manage DNS records than using command line tools.