How to Check and Set the Linux Server’s Hostname

When it comes to identifying a server in a network, the hostname plays a crucial role. It is the unique name assigned to a server, allowing it to be easily recognized and accessed by other devices on the network. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of checking and setting the hostname on your server.

Why is the Hostname Important?

The hostname serves as the server’s identity in a network. It allows other devices to communicate with the server by using its hostname instead of its IP address, which can be difficult to remember. Additionally, the hostname is used in various network services, such as email, FTP, and web hosting, to ensure proper routing and delivery of data.

Checking the Current Hostname

If you are unsure of your server’s current hostname, you can easily check it by following these steps:

Open a terminal or command prompt on your server.
Enter the following command:

hostname

This command will display the current hostname of your server.

Setting a New Hostname

If you wish to change or set a new hostname for your server, you can do so by following these steps:

Open a terminal or command prompt on your server.
Enter the following command:

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname [new_hostname]

Replace [new_hostname] with the desired hostname for your server. Make sure to choose a unique and descriptive name that reflects the purpose or function of the server.

After executing the command, you may need to restart your server for the changes to take effect. You can do so by entering the following command:

sudo reboot

Once the server restarts, it will start using the new hostname.

Verifying the New Hostname

To verify that the new hostname has been successfully set, you can use the same command we used earlier to check the current hostname:

hostname

If the command displays the new hostname, congratulations! You have successfully set the server’s hostname.

Conclusion

Setting and checking the server’s hostname is an essential task for proper network identification and communication. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily check the current hostname of your server and set a new one if needed. Remember to choose a descriptive and unique hostname to ensure seamless communication within your network.

Thank you for reading! If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team.