Kubernetes: Delete All Pods in All Namespaces

Introduction
Step-by-Step Guide
Code Example
Additional Notes
Summary
Conclusion
References

Introduction

This guide provides quick commands for deleting Kubernetes pods within a specific namespace or across all namespaces using kubectl.

Step-by-Step Guide

Delete all pods in a specific namespace:
```
kubectl delete pods --all --namespace=<namespace>
```
Replace <namespace> with the actual namespace name.
Delete all pods in all namespaces:
```
kubectl delete pods --all-namespaces
```

Explanation:

kubectl delete: This is the kubectl command to delete Kubernetes resources.
pods: Specifies that you want to delete pods.
--all: Flags to delete all pods in the specified scope.
--namespace=<namespace>: Specifies the namespace to delete pods from.
--all-namespaces: Flags to delete pods across all namespaces.

Code Example

These kubectl commands delete pods in a Kubernetes cluster. The first command deletes all pods within the "development" namespace. The second command deletes all pods in all namespaces. Use caution as these commands will delete all pods within the specified scope. Consider using labels to selectively delete pods instead.

You've provided the code examples and explanations within your request.

Here's how you would use them:

1. Delete all pods in the "development" namespace:

kubectl delete pods --all --namespace=development

2. Delete all pods in all namespaces:

kubectl delete pods --all-namespaces

Important Notes:

Caution: These commands are powerful and will delete all pods in the specified scope. Make sure you understand the implications before running them.
Alternatives: Consider using labels to selectively delete pods instead of deleting all of them. For example:
```
kubectl delete pods -l app=my-app --namespace=development 
```
This would delete all pods with the label "app=my-app" in the "development" namespace.

Let me know if you have any other Kubernetes tasks you'd like help with!

Additional Notes

Resource Types: While these examples focus on pods, you can use the same structure (kubectl delete <resource_type> --all ...) to delete other Kubernetes resources like deployments, services, etc. Just replace "pods" with the desired resource type.
Permanently Deleting Pods: By default, deleting a pod doesn't permanently remove it. Kubernetes might recreate it based on your deployment configuration. To permanently delete pods, you need to delete the controlling resource (like a Deployment) or use the --cascade=orphan flag (use with caution!).
Confirm Before Execution: It's highly recommended to use the -n <namespace> flag even when using --all-namespaces to avoid accidental deletions in unintended clusters if your kubectl context is not set correctly. Additionally, always use the --dry-run=client flag before executing the actual delete command. This simulates the deletion and shows you what would be deleted without actually deleting anything.
Script Usage: These commands are perfect for scripts for tasks like cleaning up a development environment or automating cluster maintenance. However, always double-check your scripts and use caution in production environments.
kubectl Shortcodes: You can shorten kubectl to k for faster typing. For example, kubectl delete pods becomes k delete pods.
Understanding Namespaces: Namespaces are crucial for organizing your Kubernetes resources. Always be mindful of the namespace you're working in to avoid unintended consequences.

Summary

This documentation explains how to delete Kubernetes pods using the kubectl delete command.

Two scenarios are covered:

Deleting all pods within a specific namespace:
- Use the --namespace=<namespace> flag to specify the target namespace.
- Example: kubectl delete pods --all --namespace=my-namespace
Deleting all pods across all namespaces:
- Use the --all-namespaces flag.
- Example: kubectl delete pods --all-namespaces

Key flags used:

--all: Deletes all pods within the specified scope.
--namespace=<namespace>: Targets a specific namespace for deletion.
--all-namespaces: Targets all namespaces for deletion.

Conclusion

These kubectl commands provide a quick way to delete pods in a Kubernetes cluster, either within a specific namespace or across all namespaces. Remember to use these commands cautiously as they will remove all pods within the specified scope. Consider using labels for more selective pod deletion. Always double-check your commands, especially in production environments, and consider using dry-run simulations before executing deletions. For more control over pod removal, explore deleting the controlling resources or using the --cascade=orphan flag with caution. Understanding namespaces and utilizing kubectl shortcuts can further enhance your efficiency in managing Kubernetes resources.

References

How to Delete All Pods in All Kubernetes Namespaces | Baeldung ... | Learn how to delete all pods across every namespace in a Kubernetes cluster.
Delete all pods in a Kubernetes Namespace | Quickly delete all pods (or other resources) in a Kubernetes namespace.
Command to delete all pods in all kubernetes namespaces | by ... | To delete all pods in all Kubernetes namespaces, you can use the following kubectl command:
kubectl delete | Kubernetes | Synopsis Delete resources by file names, stdin, resources and names, or by resources and label selector. JSON and YAML formats are accepted. Only one type of argument may be specified: file names, resources and names, or resources and label selector. Some resources, such as pods, support graceful deletion. These resources define a default period before they are forcibly terminated (the grace period) but you may override that value with the --grace-period flag, or pass --now to set a grace-period of 1.
Restart all deployment in a namespace - Discuss Kubernetes | Hi All, Is there a way I can restart all the deployments in a particular namespace. For example, I am using istio in my EKS cluster, once the upgrade happens I have to restart all the deployments in my application namespace to start use the new sidecars. They gave command like below but it is not working. kubectl rollout restart deployment --namespace apps But when I use this command, I get the below error. Is there a way I can do a rolling restart of my deployments.
kubectl Quick Reference | Kubernetes | This page contains a list of commonly used kubectl commands and flags. Note:These instructions are for Kubernetes v1.32. To check the version, use the kubectl version command. Kubectl autocomplete BASH source <(kubectl completion bash) # set up autocomplete in bash into the current shell, bash-completion package should be installed first. echo "source <(kubectl completion bash)" >> ~/.bashrc # add autocomplete permanently to your bash shell. You can also use a shorthand alias for kubectl that also works with completion:
kubernetes - How to delete all namespaces except the kube-system ... | Sep 2, 2021 ... I am looking for a shell/kubectl command (for automation script) that can delete my application namespace (want to modify kubectl delete namespace app-system ...
How to delete all kubernetes PODS? | Jhooq | Oct 24, 2021 ... Delete all PODS in a single namespace - e.g. kubectl delete --all pods --namespace=foo · Delete deployment in namespace which will delete PODS - ...
Kubectl command not executing over multiple namespaces : r ... | Posted by u/Consistent-Company-7 - 1 vote and 10 comments