hostname MacOS Command Guide

The hostname command in MacOS allows users to view or set the hostname of their computer system. The hostname is used to identify the device on a network, and changing it can be useful for various reasons. This guide will explain the syntax of the hostname command, along with the available options for viewing and setting the hostname. Whether you need to troubleshoot network issues, customize your system’s identification, or simply understand more about MacOS commands, this guide will provide you with the information you need.

hostname Syntax:

hostname [option]

Options:

Option	Description
-f	Display the fully qualified domain name.
-s	Display the short hostname.
-i	Display the network address.
-h	Display help information.

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
	No parameters. This command does not require any parameters.

Caution

Exercise caution when using the hostname command, as it can display sensitive information about the system that may be accessible to unauthorized users if not used carefully.

hostname Command Samples:

Display the current hostname

hostname

This command shows the current hostname of the system.

Change the hostname

sudo scutil --set HostName NewHostName

This command changes the hostname of the system to “NewHostName”.

Display the fully qualified domain name (FQDN)

hostname -f

Shows the fully qualified domain name of the system.

Display the local domain name

hostname -d

Displays the local domain name of the system.

Display the truncated hostname

hostname -s

Shows the truncated version of the hostname.

Display all information

hostname -A

Displays all the available information about the hostname.

Display the DNS domain name

hostname -y

Shows the DNS domain name of the system.

Tip

When using the hostname command in MacOS, remember that certain options may require superuser privileges, so make sure to use sudo if needed.

How do I display the current hostname in MacOS?

To display the current hostname in MacOS, use the following command:

hostname

How do I set a new hostname in MacOS?

To set a new hostname in MacOS, use the following command:

sudo scutil --set HostName <new_hostname>

How do I display the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the system in MacOS?

To display the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the system in MacOS, use the following command:

hostname -f

How do I display the local hostname in MacOS?

To display the local hostname in MacOS, use the following command:

hostname -s

How do I display the network hostname in MacOS?

To display the network hostname in MacOS, use the following command:

hostname -A

How do I set the local hostname in MacOS?

To set the local hostname in MacOS, use the following command:

sudo scutil --set LocalHostName <new_local_hostname>

Applications of the hostname command

• Display the current hostname of the macOS system
• Set or change the hostname of the macOS system
• Display the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of the macOS system
• Display the local domain name of the macOS system