Run on Pod (rop)

Overview

Run on Pod (rop) is a command-line interface tool designed to simplify and standardize the execution of scripts and binaries across multiple Kubernetes clusters and environments.

Motivation

In my current role, we manage over 20 Kubernetes clusters. Executing scripts or binaries consistently across these diverse environments was time-consuming and error-prone. Each execution required multiple steps: selecting the right context, copying files, accessing the correct pod, and then running the file.

Solution

I developed Run on Pod to streamline this workflow and reduce the potential for errors. The tool provides a unified interface for script execution across all our Kubernetes environments, automating context switching, file transfer, execution, and cleanup through a single, standardized command.

Implementation

Run on Pod is built using Go and leverages:

• Cobra: For creating a powerful and user-friendly CLI.
• Kubernetes Go Client: To interact with multiple Kubernetes clusters seamlessly.
• SPDY: For efficient file transfer to pods across different environments.

Key Features

• Single-command execution across multiple Kubernetes contexts
• Automatic handling of cluster-specific configurations
• Support for custom runners to accommodate different runtime environments
• Built-in safety features like confirmation prompts to prevent accidental executions
• Consistent interface for all clusters, reducing cognitive load and potential for mistakes