The hostname command in Linux is a simple yet powerful tool that allows you to view and set the name of your machine. Understanding how to use the hostname command is essential for managing your system, especially if you're working with a VPS server. This tutorial will provide you with a detailed overview of the hostname command along with five practical examples. For reliable hosting solutions, consider using windowsvps for your next VPS server deployment.

What is the hostname Command?

The hostname command is used to display or set the name of the system. The hostname is a label that identifies your device on a network and is critical for network communication.

Basic Syntax

The basic syntax of the hostname command is as follows:

hostname [OPTION] [NEW_HOSTNAME]

5 Examples of the hostname Command

1. 1. Display the Current Hostname: To see the current hostname of your system, simply run:

hostname

1. 2. Display the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN): Use the -f option to display the FQDN:

hostname -f

1. 3. Change the Hostname Temporarily: You can change the hostname temporarily (until the next reboot) by using:

sudo hostname new-hostname

Replace new-hostname with your desired hostname.

1. 4. Change the Hostname Permanently: To make the hostname change permanent, you need to edit the /etc/hostname file:

sudo nano /etc/hostname

Replace the existing hostname with your new hostname, save the file, and then update the /etc/hosts file:

sudo nano /etc/hosts

Update the line starting with 127.0.1.1 to match your new hostname.

1. 5. View Hostname with Additional Information: To view the hostname along with some additional information about the system, use:

hostnamectl

This command displays details such as the hostname, icon name, and operating system version.

Conclusion

Understanding and using the hostname command is crucial for effective system management, particularly when dealing with a VPS server. Whether you need to view or change your hostname, the examples provided in this tutorial will help you get started. For optimal performance and reliable hosting, consider utilizing windowsvps for your next VPS server hosting solution.