The
hostname of most Linux and UNIX systems is a unique identifier set during OS installation. The process of changing this hostname can be
accomplished through several methods.
Step 1: Checking the Current Hostname
Before you make any changes, find your current hostname. Use the following command:
Step 1: Checking the Current Hostname
Before you make any changes, find your current hostname. Use the following command:
hostname
Note alternatively you can use 'cat', 'echo', or 'printf' to print hostname too:
This command will display your current hostname.
echo "$HOSTNAME"
printf "%s\n" $HOSTNAME
cat /etc/hostname
Note there is another command 'hostnamectl' which will print hostname, along with the Chassis, Machine ID, Boot ID, OS (Operating System), Kernel, Architecture, Hardware Vendor & Model:
hostnamectl
This command will display additional information your current hostname and the machine.
Step 2: Changing the Hostname Temporarily
If you want to change your hostname temporarily (meaning it will revert back to the original after a system reboot), use the following command:
Replace "new_hostname" with your desired hostname.
If you want to change your hostname temporarily (meaning it will revert back to the original after a system reboot), use the following command:
sudo hostname new_hostname
Replace "new_hostname" with your desired hostname.
Step 3: Changing the Hostname Permanently
To permanently change your hostname, you'll need to edit a specific file (/etc/hostname). To do this, use the nano text editor with the following command:
Once inside the file, delete the existing hostname and replace it with your new one. Save and exit by pressing Ctrl+X, then Y, and finally Enter.
Note: In some Linux distributions, you may also need to edit the /etc/hosts file for changes to take effect properly.
To permanently change your hostname, you'll need to edit a specific file (/etc/hostname). To do this, use the nano text editor with the following command:
sudo nano /etc/hostname
hostnamectl
Once inside the file, delete the existing hostname and replace it with your new one. Save and exit by pressing Ctrl+X, then Y, and finally Enter.
Note: In some Linux distributions, you may also need to edit the /etc/hosts file for changes to take effect properly.
Step 4: Reboot and Apply Changes
For these changes to take effect we will complete a system reboot, use the following command:
Now, if you check your hostname again using the "hostname" command, it should display your new hostname.
Please refer to your distribution's documentation for the most accurate instructions.
For these changes to take effect we will complete a system reboot, use the following command:
sudo reboot
Now, if you check your hostname again using the "hostname" command, it should display your new hostname.
Please refer to your distribution's documentation for the most accurate instructions.
To finalize your changes in the entire system, see the next article:
How To: Update your hosts file (it bypasses DNS)
