A hostname is an essential parameter that helps us identify our computer in a network. While installing Debian or other Debian-based Linux distributions such as Ubuntu or Linux Mint, we can set a hostname. However, you can also modify this hostname in a few easy steps. In this informative article, we will guide you through the process of changing hostname in Debian 11.
Identification of Hostname in Debian
Before proceeding with the hostname-changing process, let’s review some ways to identify the current hostname of your Debian system. Here are some methods to display your hostname in Debian:
Method 1: Identify Hostname Using the Hostname Command
This method is the easiest one to identify the hostname in Debian. Just execute the following command:
hostname
Method 2: Identify Hostname Using the “-f” Flag
The “-f” flag when used with the hostname command displays the FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name). Execute the following command to view the hostname with FQDN:
hostname -f
Method 3: Identify Hostname Using “–fqdn” Command
We can use the “–fqdn” flag to verify the FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name). This command will give us the same results as using the “-f” flag. Execute the following command to view the hostname using “–fqdn”:
hostname –fqdn
Method 4: Display Hostname with other Details
For more detailed information such as the chassis type, operating system details, machine ID, kernel, and architecture, you can use the following command:
hostnamectl
Changing Hostname in Debian
Now that we have learned different ways to identify the hostname of your Debian system, here are different methods that you can use to change the hostname in Debian.
Method 1: Change Hostname Using the hostname Command
This method is the easiest way to change your hostname. However, this method changes the temporary hostname, which means that it will only apply until the next boot. Use the following steps to change the transit hostname:
Step 1: Verify Current Hostname
Execute the following command to display the current hostname:
hostname
Step 2: Change Your Current Hostname
To change your hostname, use the given command syntax:
sudo hostname {New Hostname}
As an example, we can change the hostname to “geek” using the following command:
sudo hostname geek
Step 3: Verify Changed Hostname
To verify whether we have successfully changed our hostname or not, open a new terminal window and execute the following command:
hostname
Method 2: Change Hostname Using the hostnamectl Command
This is the most recommended method to permanently change your hostname using the hostnamectl command:
Step 1: Verify Current Hostname
Execute the following command to display the current hostname:
hostname
Step 2: Change Hostname Permanently
To change the static hostname, execute the following command:
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname {New Hostname}
As an example, let’s change the current hostname to “geek” using the following command:
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname geek
Step 3: Verify Changes
To verify whether we have changed the hostname successfully or not, execute the following command:
hostname
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Changing Hostname
Q: How do I find my hostname in Debian 10?
A: There are several ways to find the hostname in Debian 10. You can use the “hostname” command or use the “hostnamectl” command for more detailed information.
Q: How do I change the hostname in Debian 10?
A: You can use either the “hostname” or “hostnamectl” command to change the hostname in Debian 10.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have learned the importance of the hostname and the different methods to identify and change the hostname in Debian 11. If you face any issues while trying to change the hostname, feel free to leave a comment below.
