Alpine Linux Change Hostname (computer name)

Displaying hostname on Alpine Linux

Run the following command to view current hostname:
hostname
Outputs:

localhost

To see fully qualified domain name, run:
hostname -f

localhost.localdomain

Changing Alpine Linux hostname

Alpine Linux change hostname with the following syntax:
# hostname {new-hostname-here}
# hostname ln-sg-vpn-1

Setting system hostname permanently

To set the system hostname, edit the /etc/hostname file as root user. For example:
# vi /etc/hostname
## OR ##
# nano /etc/hostname
Delete existing name and add a new name such as:
ln-sg-vpn-1
Save and close the editor. Another option is to use the echo command to overwrite this file:
# echo "ln-sg-vpn-1" > /etc/hostname
Immediately activate the change by running the following command. In other words use the /etc/hostname file’s content as hostname:
# hostname -F /etc/hostname
Make sure you update the /etc/hosts file too with a staic IP configuration:
# vi /etc/hosts
The syntax is:

ipv4.here     ln-sg-vpn-1
ipv6.here     ln-sg-vpn-1
# we can use FQDN too #
192.168.2.250 ln-sg-vpn-1.cyberciti.biz

Getting help

Run the following command:
hostname --help
The hostname command comes from BusyBox version 1.31.1. It is multi-call binary. The syntax is as follows get or set hostname and DNS domain name:
Usage: hostname [OPTIONS] [HOSTNAME | -F FILE]
Where,

• -s : Short name of the system
• -i : Addresses for the hostname
• -d : DNS domain name
• -f : Fully qualified domain name (FQDN)
• -F FILE : Use FILE’s content as hostname

Conclusion

On Alpine Linux, one can use the hostname command to control the system hostname and set a new name. It is the recommended method for all Alpine Linux users. Another option is to update the /etc/hostname file using a text editor such as nano or vi. You can download Alpine Linux for production or testing purpose.