Understanding and Using the “hostname” Command in Linux

The “hostname” command is a simple command line tool in Linux that allows users to view or set the hostname of a system. A hostname is a unique name assigned to a device connected to a network, and is used to identify the device on the network. In this article, we will discuss when to use the “hostname” command, why a hostname is important, and how to use it with some examples.

When to use the “hostname” command:

• To view the current hostname of a system, simply type “hostname” in the command line and press enter.
• To change the hostname of a system, type “hostname new_hostname” in the command line, replacing “new_hostname” with the desired hostname.
• To set a permanent hostname, the hostname must also be changed in the configuration file. This can typically be found in /etc/hostname.

Why a hostname is important:

A hostname is important because it allows devices on a network to be identified by a unique name, rather than just an IP address. This makes it easier to manage and organize devices on a network, and allows for more efficient communication between devices. Additionally, many services and applications require a hostname to function properly.

How to use the “hostname” command:

Here are some examples of how to use the “hostname” command in Linux:

• To view the current hostname of a system, type “hostname” in the command line and press enter.

• To change the hostname of a system, type “sudo hostname new_hostname” in the command line, replacing “new_hostname” with the desired hostname.

• To set a permanent hostname, the hostname must also be changed in the configuration file. This can typically be found in /etc/hostname.

The “hostname” command is a useful tool in Linux for viewing and setting a system’s hostname. A hostname is an important aspect of networking, as it allows devices to be identified by a unique name rather than just an IP address. With the examples provided in this article, you should now have a better understanding of how to use the “hostname” command in Linux.

See our list of 75 Linux commands you should know about.