Why dns lookup is possible without root hint file?

[Alan Clegg]

MontyRee wrote:
> Hello list.
> 
> I have operated caching only nameserver using bind.
> and as I know root hit file is required. 
> but curiously dns lookup works well without any problem.
[...]

> I don't know how bind get the data E.ROOT-SERVERS.NET?
> is it hardcoded?

Yes, the root.hints file is optional as-of BIND 9.2

AlanC