---
title: Kubectl
id: kubectl
full_link: /docs/reference/kubectl/
short_description: >
  A command line tool for communicating with a Kubernetes cluster.

aka:
- kubectl
tags:
- tool
- fundamental
---
Command line tool for communicating with a Kubernetes cluster's
{{< glossary_tooltip text="control plane" term_id="control-plane" >}},
using the Kubernetes API.

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You can use `kubectl` to create, inspect, update, and delete Kubernetes objects.

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In English, `kubectl` is (officially) pronounced /kjuːb/ /kənˈtɹəʊl/ (like "cube control").