How to use the command 'doctl kubernetes options' (with examples)

DigitalOcean Command-Line Tool (doctl) is a versatile command-line interface that enables users to manage their DigitalOcean resources directly from the terminal. It provides various commands and options that facilitate the management of Kubernetes clusters on DigitalOcean. Specifically, the command doctl kubernetes options is used to retrieve different configuration options available for Kubernetes clusters on the DigitalOcean platform. This includes information on regions, machine sizes, and Kubernetes versions supported, allowing users to make informed decisions when setting up or modifying their clusters.

Use case 1: List regions that support Kubernetes clusters

Code:

doctl kubernetes options regions

Motivation:

When creating a Kubernetes cluster, selecting the appropriate region is crucial because it affects latency, availability, and compliance requirements. By listing regions that support Kubernetes clusters, users can make informed choices about where to deploy their clusters to ensure optimal performance and cost-effectiveness. Accessing this information helps in planning the infrastructure better by aligning it with the geographical needs of the user base or project requirements.

Explanation:

• doctl: This is the command-line tool provided by DigitalOcean to interact with their API and manage various resources.
• kubernetes: This specifies that the command execution will involve Kubernetes-related operations.
• options: This argument indicates that the aim is to retrieve available options or configurations.
• regions: This part of the command specifies that the list of regions where Kubernetes clusters can be deployed is what needs to be retrieved.

Example Output:

SLUG      NAME
nyc1      New York 1
sfo2      San Francisco 2
ams3      Amsterdam 3
sgp1      Singapore 1
lon1      London 1

This output provides the slugs and names of regions where Kubernetes clusters can be operated, allowing users to determine suitable deployment locations.

Use case 2: List machine sizes that can be used in a Kubernetes cluster

Code:

doctl kubernetes options sizes

Motivation:

Selecting the appropriate machine size for your Kubernetes nodes is essential for balancing performance and cost. Different workloads require different amounts of CPU, memory, and storage resources. By listing the available machine sizes, users can compare the different options and select the optimal configuration that fits their workload requirements, thereby efficiently utilizing resources and controlling expenses.

Explanation:

• doctl: This initializes the DigitalOcean CLI tool.
• kubernetes: This specifies that the activity is related to Kubernetes.
• options: This indicates the intention is to fetch configurable options.
• sizes: This argument is used to retrieve a list of available machine sizes that can be used for the nodes in a Kubernetes cluster.

Example Output:

SLUG          DESCRIPTION                   VCPUS  MEMORY
s-1vcpu-2gb   1 vCPU, 2GB RAM               1      2GB
s-2vcpu-4gb   2 vCPUs, 4GB RAM              2      4GB
s-4vcpu-8gb   4 vCPUs, 8GB RAM              4      8GB
cpu-optimized 8 vCPUs, 16GB RAM             8      16GB

This output lists available machine sizes with descriptions, virtual CPUs, and memory specifications, enabling you to choose the most suitable machine size for your Kubernetes nodes.

Use case 3: List Kubernetes versions that can be used with DigitalOcean clusters

Code:

doctl kubernetes options versions

Motivation:

Using supported and up-to-date Kubernetes versions is crucial for accessing the latest features, security patches, and improvements. Listing the available Kubernetes versions helps users ensure that their clusters are running on recommended versions, improving stability and performance. Staying informed about available versions is a key part of maintaining an efficient and secure production environment.

Explanation:

• doctl: This signals the use of the DigitalOcean CLI.
• kubernetes: This indicates that the command pertains to Kubernetes clusters.
• options: This is used to retrieve preset options or choices.
• versions: This specifies that you want to list the available Kubernetes versions that you can deploy on DigitalOcean.

Example Output:

SLUG     KUBERNETES VERSION  DEFAULT
1.21.5   v1.21.5             false
1.22.2   v1.22.2             true
1.23.0   v1.23.0             false

This output displays available Kubernetes versions, indicating which version is the default one, helping you to understand which versions are available and ensure your clusters are running on supported versions.

Conclusion:

Using the doctl kubernetes options command helps DigitalOcean users make informed decisions about where and how to deploy their Kubernetes clusters. By listing regions, machine sizes, and Kubernetes versions, users can tailor their infrastructure to meet their specific needs and constraints. These insights contribute significantly towards planning and optimizing Kubernetes deployments on the DigitalOcean platform.