# K9s > k9s terminal UI for Kubernetes. Use for K8s management. Use when this capability is needed. - Skill: `tomevault-io/k9s` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/k9s` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/k9s/raw - Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS) - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: DevOps & Infra - Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/k9s --- # K9s K9s is a terminal UI (TUI) for Kubernetes. It is faster than clicking in a web dashboard and morediscoverable than raw `kubectl`. ## When to Use - **Cluster Management**: Viewing Pods, Logs, and YAML in real-time. - **Debugging**: Shell into a pod (`s`), view logs (`l`), delete pod (`Ctrl+d`). - **Safety**: Read-only mode prevents accidental deletions in Prod. ## Core Concepts ### Views Navigate by resource type (`:pods`, `:svc`, `:deploy`). ### XRay `:xray RESOURCE` creates a dependency tree view (e.g., Service -> Pod -> Node). ### Pulses `:pulse` gives a high-level health dashboard. ## Best Practices (2025) **Do**: - **Use Aliases**: Define aliases for commonly used CRDs. - **Use Plugins**: Extend K9s with custom scripts (e.g., `kubectl neat` to clean YAML). - **Context Awareness**: Use skins to color-code Prod (Red) vs Dev (Blue). **Don't**: - **Don't rely solely on it**: Know your `kubectl` commands for scripting/automation. ## References - [K9s Documentation](https://k9scli.io/) --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/g1joshi) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.