Local name resolution (/etc/hosts) tasks
Configure the /etc/hosts file if your network is small, and you are using a flat naming scheme.
Even if you are using a hierarchical (or domain) naming scheme with name servers, you might want to configure the /etc/hosts file to identify hosts that are not known by the name servers.
Configure your system for local host resolution using the System Management Interface Tool (SMIT), or commands. If you choose the command method, be sure to preserve the format of the /etc/hosts file, as described in Hosts File Format for TCP/IP in the Files Reference.
| Task | SMIT fast path | Command or file |
|---|---|---|
| List All the Hosts | smit lshostent | Use the hostent command or view /etc/hosts |
| Add a Host | smit mkhostent | Use the hostent command or edit /etc/hosts |
| Change/Show Characteristics of a Host | smit chhostent | Use the hostent command or edit /etc/hosts |
| Remove a Host | smit rmhostent | Use the hostent command or edit /etc/hosts |