kubectl diff

SafeDiff before apply

kubectl diff -f <manifest>

Shows what apply *would* change — mandatory pre-flight that also exposes out-of-band edits.

Examples

kubectl diff -f deploy.yamlPreview the change

Syntax

kubectl diff -f <file|dir> / -k <dir>

Before you run it

Diff only.

Related commands

kubectl applyApply manifests
kubectl apply -kApply with Kustomize

The same reference, with no signal at all

Every command on this site, held on your device. The app adds 632 more: 1,510 commands and 120 fix flows, searchable with no connection. Free to install, no ads (some content is a one-time purchase).

Get it free on the App Store