How to change your Linux hostname

[dos2unix]

Changing the Hostname in Linux Using hostnamectl​

Changing the hostname of a Linux system is a common task for system administrators. The hostname is used to identify the device on a network and is displayed in various places, such as the terminal prompt. While you can change the hostname by editing the /etc/hostname file, using the hostnamectl command offers several advantages. This article will guide you through using hostnamectl to change the hostname and explain why it is preferred over directly editing the /etc/hostname file.

Using hostnamectl to Change the Hostname​

The hostnamectl command is part of the systemd suite and provides a standardized way to manage hostnames on Linux systems. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Check the Current Hostname
   To view the current hostname, you can use the following command:

    hostnamectl

   This will display information about the system, including the static hostname, pretty hostname, and transient hostname.
2. Set a New Hostname
   To change the hostname, use the set-hostname option followed by the new hostname. For example, to change the hostname to new-hostname, run:

    sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-hostname

3. Verify the Change
   After setting the new hostname, you can verify the change by running:

    hostnamectl

   This should display the updated hostname.
4. Update the /etc/hosts File
   It’s also a good practice to update the /etc/hosts file to reflect the new hostname. Open the file in a text editor:

    sudo nano /etc/hosts

   Find the line that references the old hostname and update it to the new hostname. For example:

    127.0.1.1 new-hostname

Advantages of Using hostnamectl​

Using hostnamectl has several advantages over directly editing the /etc/hostname file:

1. Atomic Updates
   Changes made with hostnamectl are applied instantly across all running system processes, ensuring consistency without requiring a reboot
   
   
2. Dynamic Hostnames
   hostnamectl allows setting transient hostnames that reset on reboot, which is useful for temporary changes
   
   
3. UTF-8 Support
   The command supports UTF-8 characters, allowing for more flexible and descriptive hostnames
   
   
4. Simplified Management
   Using hostnamectl simplifies hostname management by integrating with systemd, ensuring that changes are applied consistently with other system configurations
   
   
5. No Need to Restart Services
   Unlike editing the /etc/hostname file, which may require restarting network services to apply changes, hostnamectl applies changes immediately

By using hostnamectl, you can efficiently manage hostnames on your Linux systems with minimal disruption and greater flexibility.

You do usually have to log out, and log back in again in order to see the hostname update.

 

[Trenix25]

You can set your host name by editing /etc/hostname which will set your host name when you reboot.

Signed,

Matthew Campbell