kubectl-debugging

# kubectl debug - Interactive Kubernetes Debugging

Expert knowledge for debugging Kubernetes resources using `kubectl debug` - ephemeral containers, pod copies, and node access.

## Core Capabilities

**kubectl debug** automates common debugging tasks:

- **Ephemeral Containers**: Add debug containers to running pods without restart
- **Pod Copying**: Create modified copies for debugging (different images, commands)
- **Node Debugging**: Access node host namespaces and filesystem

## Context Safety (CRITICAL)

**Always specify `--context`** explicitly in every kubectl command:

```bash
# CORRECT: Explicit context
kubectl --context=prod-cluster debug mypod -it --image=busybox

# WRONG: Relying on current context
kubectl debug mypod -it --image=busybox  # Which cluster?
```

## Quick Reference

### Add Ephemeral Debug Container

```bash
# Interactive debugging with busybox
kubectl --context=my-context debug mypod -it --image=busybox

# Target specific container's process namespace
kubectl --context=my-context debug mypod -it --image=busybox --target=mycontainer

# Use a specific debug profile
kubectl --context=my-context debug mypod -it --image=busybox --profile=netadmin
```

### Copy Pod for Debugging

```bash
# Create debug copy
kubectl --context=my-context debug mypod -it --copy-to=mypod-debug --image=busybox

# Copy and change container image
kubectl --context=my-context debug mypod --copy-to=mypod-debug --set-image=app=busybox

# Copy and modify command
kubectl --context=my-context debug mypod -it --copy-to=mypod-debug --container=myapp -- sh

# Copy on same node
kubectl --context=my-context debug mypod -it --copy-to=mypod-debug --same-node --image=busybox
```

### Debug Node

```bash
# Interactive node debugging (host namespaces, filesystem at /host)
kubectl --context=my-context debug node/mynode -it --image=busybox

# With sysadmin profile for full capabilities
kubectl --context=my-context debug node/mynode -it --image=ubuntu --profile=sysadmin
```

## Debug P