Master Multi‑Cluster Management with kubecm: Install, Commands & Tips

Background

As a Kubernetes learner or user, you often need to operate multiple clusters, which typically requires specifying a --kubeconfig file for each operation. Using aliases can help but remains cumbersome. The kubecm tool offers a concise and efficient solution for switching clusters and managing kubeconfig files.

Installation

kubecm supports Mac, Linux and Windows platforms. Installation methods are straightforward:

MacOS

Install via Homebrew or download the binary directly:

brew install sunny0826/tap/kubecm

Linux

Download the binary archive and extract it:

curl kubecm.tar.gz https://github.com/sunny0826/kubecm/releases/download/v${VERSION}/kubecm_${VERSION}_Linux_x86_64.tar.gz
 tar -zxvf kubecm.tar.gz kubecm && cd kubecm

Windows

Download the binary and place it in your $PATH.

kubecm

Written in Go, kubecm runs on Mac, Linux and Windows, providing interactive commands such as delete, rename, and switch. Current features include:

Add a new kubeconfig to $HOME/.kube/config Command‑line auto‑completion

Delete existing contexts (interactive or specified)

Merge multiple kubeconfig files into one

Rename a context (interactive or specified)

Switch contexts interactively

Command-line Auto‑completion

kubecm offers the same completion functionality as kubectl : source <(kubecm completion zsh) After running the above, typing kubecm and pressing Tab will display available completions.

Operate kubeconfig

Run kubecm --help to see all available commands; they are intuitive and self‑descriptive.

Screenshots

kubecm list

kubecm switch

– switch clusters or user roles

That concludes the overview of the kubecm tool. Feel free to share other efficient utilities you use in the comments.

References

kubecm: https://github.com/sunny0826/kubecm

kubectl: https://github.com/kubernetes/kubectl