When using the '-n' option, what does it record instead of hostnames?

When using the '-n' option in networking tools, it typically instructs the tool to record IP addresses instead of resolving hostnames. This is particularly useful in scenarios where quick and efficient results are needed, as DNS lookups can add latency to the operation. By opting for IP addresses, the system avoids the overhead associated with translating domain names into their corresponding numerical representations, thus speeding up processes like network scanning or monitoring. This functionality is crucial for network administrators who need to quickly identify devices on the network without the added complexity that hostnames introduce.

This option is especially employed in utility tools such as ping, traceroute, and others where monitoring or analysis is necessary, but speed takes precedence over the user-friendly representation of hostnames.