How to Get Hostname in Linux

In Linux, a hostname is a label assigned to a device connected to a computer network. It is used to identify the device in the network, and it is usually a combination of the device name and the domain name. For instance, a hostname may look like this: example.com.

There are several ways to get the hostname in Linux, and in this article, we will explore some of the most common methods.

Using the hostname Command

The hostname command is the simplest and most straightforward way to get the hostname in Linux. To use it, open a terminal window and type the following command:

hostname

This will display the hostname of your Linux machine. For example:

myhostname

Using the uname Command

The uname command is another way to get the hostname in Linux. However, it provides more information than just the hostname, such as the operating system name, version, and architecture. To use it, open a terminal window and type the following command:

uname -n

This will display the hostname of your Linux machine. For example:

myhostname

Using the /etc/hostname File

The /etc/hostname file contains the hostname of your Linux machine. To view the contents of this file, open a terminal window and type the following command:

cat /etc/hostname

This will display the hostname of your Linux machine. For example:

myhostname

Using the getent Command

The getent command is a utility that retrieves entries from various databases, including the hostname database. To use it, open a terminal window and type the following command:

getent hosts $(hostname)

This will display the IP address and hostname of your Linux machine. For example:

127.0.0.1    localhost
192.168.1.1  myhostname

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to get the hostname in Linux, and each method provides different information. The hostname and uname commands are the simplest and most straightforward ways to get the hostname, while the /etc/hostname file provides a permanent record of the hostname. The getent command is useful for retrieving additional information about the hostname, such as the IP address.

Regardless of the method you choose, knowing your Linux machine’s hostname is essential for managing your network and troubleshooting any network-related issues.