How to Assign a Static Hostname to a Linux Machine

Introduction

A hostname is a unique identifier assigned to a machine on a network. In Linux OS, setting a static hostname ensures consistency, making it easier to manage and identify servers or workstations. This article explains different methods to assign a static hostname on Linux, covering both temporary and permanent changes across various distributions.

Checking the Current Hostname

Before changing the hostname, check the current one using:

hostnamectl

Or simply:

hostname

This will display the existing hostname of your Linux machine.

Method 1: Using hostnamectl (Recommended for Systemd-based Systems)

Most modern Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, Fedora) use systemd, which provides the hostnamectl command for managing hostnames.

Changing the Hostname

1. Set the static hostname:

   sudo hostnamectl set-hostname my-static-hostname

2. Verify the change:

   hostnamectl

The change is immediate and persists across reboots.

Method 2: Manually Editing /etc/hostname

For distributions that do not use hostnamectl, modify the /etc/hostname file directly.

1. Open the file in a text editor:

   sudo nano /etc/hostname

2. Replace the existing name with your desired hostname.
3. Save the file and exit (CTRL + X → Y → ENTER).
4. Apply the change:

   sudo systemctl restart systemd-hostnamed

   Or reboot the system:

   sudo reboot

Method 3: Updating /etc/hosts

After changing the hostname, update /etc/hosts to reflect the new name.

1. Edit the file:

   sudo nano /etc/hosts

2. Modify the line containing the old hostname:

   127.0.0.1   my-static-hostname

3. Save and exit.

This prevents networking issues and ensures proper hostname resolution.