Get up to 50% off on CKA, CKAD, CKS, KCNA, KCSA exams and courses!

Let-s talk about kubectl create, apply, edit, replace and patch

Let-s talk about kubectl create, apply, edit, replace and patch

Juggling flaming chainsaws in Kubernetes ? Don’t worry, fellow tech adventurer! While managing resources can feel like that sometimes, the kubectl command is your friendly sensei, teaching you ninja moves to tame those beasts. But with so many commands – create, apply, patch, replace, and edit – choosing the right one can be tricky. Fear not, for this blog will guide you through their strengths and weaknesses in simple, casual language!

The Mighty kubectl create

Think of kubectl create as a sculptor: You give it a blueprint (YAML file), and it crafts a brand-new resource from scratch. Perfect for starting fresh, but be careful – it doesn’t play nice with existing ones, potentially overwriting them with fiery consequences!

The Versatile kubectl apply

Now, kubectl apply is a wise warrior: It checks if your desired resource already exists. If not, it creates it like create. But if it’s already there, it gently updates it based on your instructions, like moulding clay without breaking anything. Super safe and flexible!

The Precise kubectl patch

Want to make tiny, targeted changes? kubectl patch is your ninja friend: It pinpoints specific parts of a resource for surgical updates, like changing just one key-value pair. Imagine it as a brushstroke, leaving the rest untouched. Precise and perfect for fine-tuning!

kubectl replace – Replace the configuration

Similar to apply, but a bit more forceful. kubectl replace updates even if conflicts exist like a bulldozer clearing the way. Use with caution, or things might get messy!

Editing with kubectl edit

kubectl edit opens an editor to directly modify a resource’s code. Think of it as a scalpel – powerful for quick fixes, but one wrong move can cause chaos! You can configure your preferred editor for kubectl if needed.

Choosing Your Weapon

So, which command wins the battle? It depends on your needs:

  • Creating something new? create is your go-to hero.
  • Updating existing stuff? apply is your safe and flexible master.
  • Need pinpoint accuracy? patch is your ninja assassin.
  • Forced updates? replace is the bulldozer, but tread carefully!
  • Direct code editing? edit is the scalpel, use it wisely!

Remember: Practice makes perfect! Experiment, explore, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty (metaphorically, of course). And always back up your resources before making changes – just in case something goes awry.

Bonus Tip: Always back up your resources before making changes, just in case. Preparation is key in the journey to Kubernetes mastery!

Gineesh Madapparambath

Gineesh Madapparambath

Gineesh Madapparambath is the founder of techbeatly. He is the co-author of The Kubernetes Bible, Second Edition and the author of Ansible for Real Life Automation. He has worked as a Systems Engineer, Automation Specialist, and content author. His primary focus is on Ansible Automation, Containerisation (OpenShift & Kubernetes), and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform). (Read more: iamgini.com)


Note

Disclaimer: The views expressed and the content shared in all published articles on this website are solely those of the respective authors, and they do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or the techbeatly platform. We strive to ensure the accuracy and validity of the content published on our website. However, we cannot guarantee the absolute correctness or completeness of the information provided. It is the responsibility of the readers and users of this website to verify the accuracy and appropriateness of any information or opinions expressed within the articles. If you come across any content that you believe to be incorrect or invalid, please contact us immediately so that we can address the issue promptly.

Share :

Related Posts

Book Review: OpenShift Multi-Cluster Management Handbook

Book Review: OpenShift Multi-Cluster Management Handbook

In the dynamic landscape of multi-cluster architectures, finding reliable and practical resources can be a challenge. Amidst the scarcity of such …

Kubernetes: What Is It and Its Importance in DevOps

Kubernetes: What Is It and Its Importance in DevOps

Image by Freepik Kubernetes is quickly becoming a critical part of many enterprise DevOps initiatives. But what exactly is Kubernetes? And more …

Let us test Kubernetes 1.29 with minikube

Let us test Kubernetes 1.29 with minikube

minikube , your trusty local Kubernetes playground, makes testing and learning a breeze. But did you know you can use it to experiment with the …