Add Server Name to Host File

Hello, Dev! In this article, we will discuss how to add a server name to the host file in your computer. This process is important for website developers, system administrators, and anyone who needs to access a server using a domain name instead of an IP address. By adding a server name to the host file, you can save time and avoid potential issues with DNS resolution. Let’s get started!

What is a Host File?

Before we dive into the process of adding a server name to the host file, let’s first understand what a host file is. A host file is a plain text file that maps IP addresses to domain names. It is used by your computer’s operating system to resolve domain names to IP addresses when accessing websites or servers on the internet. The host file is located in the system directory of your computer and is named “hosts”.

When you enter a domain name in your web browser, the browser sends a DNS query to a DNS server to resolve the domain name to an IP address. If the domain name is not found in the DNS server’s cache, it will send a request to other DNS servers until it finds an IP address that matches the domain name. This process can take some time, especially if there are DNS server errors or network issues.

However, if the domain name is already mapped to an IP address in the host file, your computer will use the IP address directly without sending a DNS query to the DNS server. This saves time and avoids potential issues with DNS resolution.

Adding a Server Name to the Host File

Now that we understand the importance of the host file, let’s move on to the process of adding a server name to it. This process involves adding a new entry in the host file that maps the server name to its IP address. Here are the steps:

1. Open the host file in a plain text editor like Notepad or TextEdit. The host file is located in the system directory of your computer. In Windows, it is usually located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. In macOS and Linux, it is usually located at /etc/hosts.
2. Make a backup copy of the host file before making any changes. This is important in case you make a mistake and need to restore the original host file.
3. Add a new line at the bottom of the host file that maps the server name to its IP address. The format of the line is as follows: IP_address server_name. For example, if the IP address of the server is 192.168.0.1 and the server name is myserver.com, the line would look like this: 192.168.0.1 myserver.com.
4. Save the host file and close the editor.

That’s it! You have successfully added a server name to the host file. Now, whenever you enter the server name in your web browser, your computer will use the IP address directly without sending a DNS query.

Testing the Host File Entry

To ensure that the host file entry is working correctly, you can test it by pinging the server name from the command prompt. Here are the steps:

1. Open the command prompt on your computer.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: ping server_name. Replace “server_name” with the actual name of the server you added to the host file.
3. If the host file entry is correct, you should see a response from the server’s IP address. If not, double-check the host file entry and make sure it is correct.

By testing the host file entry, you can confirm that your computer is using the IP address directly without sending a DNS query. This is a good way to ensure that the host file entry is working correctly.

Common Issues and FAQ

Here are some common issues and frequently asked questions about adding a server name to the host file:

Conclusion

Adding a server name to the host file is a simple process that can save time and avoid potential issues with DNS resolution. By adding a server name to the host file, you can access a server using its domain name instead of its IP address. This is useful for website developers, system administrators, and anyone who needs to access a server using a domain name. We hope this article has been helpful for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!