Ipconfig Linux Debian

Linux Networking: Exploring IP Configuration with ifconfig and ip

Understanding the Deprecation of ifconfig

The ifconfig package is no longer installed by default on Debian systems. This decision stems from the ongoing deprecation of ifconfig, a legacy command used for network interface configuration.

Introducing the ip Command

A Modern Replacement for ifconfig

In modern Linux distributions, the ip command has emerged as the preferred tool for managing network interfaces. The ip command offers a more comprehensive and versatile set of features compared to ifconfig.

Retrieving IP Address with ip

To obtain the IP address of a specific network interface using ip, execute the following command:

ip address show dev  

Replace with the name of the desired interface, such as eth0.

Retrieving IP Address with ifconfig (Legacy Method)

For those still using ifconfig, the command to retrieve the IP address is:

ifconfig  | grep "inet addr:" | cut -d: -f 2 | awk '{ print $1}' 

Again, replace with the appropriate interface name.

Benefits of Using ip

The ip command provides several advantages over ifconfig, including:

• More comprehensive interface management options
• Support for IPv6 and other advanced networking technologies
• Improved command syntax and readability

Conclusion

For modern Linux systems, the ip command has replaced ifconfig as the standard tool for network interface configuration. Embrace the advantages of ip and enhance your Linux networking experience.