How to SSH into Kubernetes Pod

Kubernetes has revolutionized container orchestration, providing a robust platform for managing and deploying containerized applications at scale. While Kubernetes abstracts away many complexities, there are times when direct access to a pod is essential for debugging or troubleshooting. In this guide, we'll explore the process of SSHing into a Kubernetes pod, offering a step-by-step walkthrough to make this seemingly intricate task straightforward.

Prerequisites:

Before diving into the SSH process, ensure you have the following prerequisites in place:

1. Kubectl Installed:
   Make sure you have kubectl installed on your local machine. If not, you can download it from the official Kubernetes GitHub repository.

2. Access to Kubernetes Cluster:
   Verify that you have access to the Kubernetes cluster where the pod is running. You should have the necessary permissions to execute commands on the cluster.

Step 1: Identify the Pod

Begin by identifying the pod you want to SSH into. Use the following command to list all the pods in the desired namespace:

kubectl get pods -n <namespace>

Step 2: Choose a Pod

Select the pod you want to access from the list. Note the name of the pod for the subsequent steps.

Step 3: SSH into the Pod

Execute the following command to SSH into the chosen pod:

kubectl exec -it <pod-name> -n <namespace> -- /bin/bash

This command opens an interactive shell (/bin/bash) within the specified pod.

Step 4: Explore the Pod

Once inside the pod, you have shell access to interact with the container. You can navigate the file system, view logs, and execute commands, just as you would on a regular server.

Step 5: Exit the Pod

When you're done with your tasks inside the pod, exit the shell to return to your local machine:

exit

Additional Tips and Examples:

Execute a Single Command in the Pod:

If you need to run a specific command within the pod without entering the interactive shell, use:

kubectl exec <pod-name> -n <namespace> -- <command>

Copy Files To/From Pod:

Use kubectl cp to copy files between your local machine and the pod. For example, to copy a file from the pod to your local machine:

kubectl cp <namespace>/<pod-name>:<pod-path> <local-destination>

SSHing into a Kubernetes pod provides valuable insights for troubleshooting and debugging. By following these steps, you can seamlessly access and interact with pods in your Kubernetes cluster. Remember to exercise caution and only SSH into pods when necessary to maintain the security and integrity of your containerized environment.