I'm a web designer and I often develop new sites for existing businesses. Sometimes I find it useful to point my DNS address (for my personal computer) to the development servers local DNS (instead of Googles 8.8.8.8 or the default isp's address). I like this as it let's me see that the new site's internal links, etc, operate before switching over the authorative DNS from the old site. However outgoing links (Like a Google map) would not route with my local dns. The first thing I thought was, oh I just need to fill out my DNS directory with Google and every other domain I might need to link to, wait... that sounds insane.

I was wondering if anyone could give me insight into a better way or more functional way to get use local DNS addresses when they're available and public supplied DNS address when they are not? Kinda like a DNS to 'roll-over'? Or maybe a completely different approach to development all together.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

All the best!