Changing Hostname

These commands work on Debian and Ubuntu machines. It might work on some other distributions.

Step 1: Check the Current Hostname

Before changing the hostname, check the current hostname of your system using the following command:

hostnamectl

or

hostname

Step 2: Change the Hostname Temporarily (Until Reboot)

If you want to change the hostname temporarily (it will revert after a reboot), use the following command:

sudo hostname new-hostname

Replace new-hostname with your desired hostname.

To verify the change:

hostname

Step 3: Change the Hostname Permanently

To change the hostname permanently, follow these steps:

Edit the /etc/hostname file:

sudo nano /etc/hostname

Replace the existing hostname with your new hostname, then save and exit the file.

Open the /etc/hosts file, find the line that starts with 127.0.0.1 (or 127.0.1.1) and replace the old hostname with the new one. For example:

sudo nano /etc/hosts
127.0.1.1 new-hostname

Save and exit the file.

Apply the Changes

Use the hostnamectl command to apply the new hostname:

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-hostname

Step 4: Verify the Changes

To confirm that the hostname has changed, run the following:

hostnamectl

or

hostname

You should see the new hostname displayed.

Step 5: Reboot the System (Optional)

To ensure the changes are fully applied, reboot your system:

sudo reboot

After the reboot, verify the hostname again to confirm if the changes persisted.

Additional Notes: Ensure the new hostname follows standard naming conventions (e.g., no spaces, special characters, or underscores). If your system is part of a network, ensure the new hostname does not conflict with other devices.

Conclusion

Changing the hostname on a Debian system is a straightforward process that can be done temporarily or permanently, depending on your needs. Following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily update your system’s hostname to reflect its purpose better, improve network identification, or meet organizational requirements.

Remember:

Always verify the changes using commands like hostnamectl or hostname.

Ensure the new hostname adheres to standard naming conventions to avoid potential issues.

If your system is part of a network, double-check that the new hostname is unique and does not conflict with other devices.

With these steps, you can confidently manage and customize your Debian system’s hostname. Whether working on a personal project or managing a server, this skill will help you keep your systems organized and easily identifiable. Happy computing! 🚀