In computing, the hostname is a label assigned to a device connected to a network, used to identify the device in various forms of electronic communication such as the internet or a local network. For macOS users, managing the hostname is crucial for network identification, troubleshooting, and ensuring smooth communication between devices. This article will guide you on how to change and display the hostname on macOS using Terminal commands.

Examples:

1. Displaying the Current Hostname: To display the current hostname of your macOS device, you can use the hostname command in the Terminal. Open Terminal and type the following command:

   hostname

   This command will return the current hostname of your device.

2. Changing the Hostname Temporarily: If you need to change the hostname temporarily (until the next reboot), you can use the following command:

   sudo scutil --set HostName new-hostname

   Replace new-hostname with your desired hostname. Note that you will need administrative privileges to execute this command, so you will be prompted to enter your password.

3. Changing the Hostname Permanently: To change the hostname permanently, you will need to update three different names: the HostName, the LocalHostName, and the ComputerName. Use the following commands:

   sudo scutil --set HostName new-hostname
   sudo scutil --set LocalHostName new-hostname
   sudo scutil --set ComputerName new-hostname

   Again, replace new-hostname with your desired hostname. These commands ensure that the hostname is consistent across reboots and network interfaces.

4. Verifying the Changes: After changing the hostname, you can verify the changes by running the following commands:

   scutil --get HostName
   scutil --get LocalHostName
   scutil --get ComputerName

   These commands will display the current values of the HostName, LocalHostName, and ComputerName, confirming that your changes have been applied.