Configure your InfluxDB cluster

InfluxDB Clustered deployments are managed using Kubernetes and configured using a YAML configuration file. Apply configuration settings to your cluster by editing and applying a Kubernetes custom resource (CRD) called AppInstance. The AppInstance CRD is defined in a YAML file (use the example-customer.yml provided by InfluxData as a template).

We recommend editing the AppInstance resource directly as the primary method for configuring and managing your InfluxDB cluster. After you have edited your AppInstance, use the kubit CLI or kubectl deployment tool, depending on your requirements.

If you are required to use Helm, there is an InfluxDB Clustered Helm chart available that acts as a wrapper for the AppInstance resource and lets you use Helm to manage configuration changes in your InfluxDB cluster.

{{% expand-wrapper %}} {{% expand "Choose the right deployment tool for your environment" %}}

Deployment Tool	Best For	Requirements	Considerations
kubectl	Standard deployments	Cluster-wide permissions	Simplest option if you have required permissions
kubit CLI	Limited permission environments or air-gapped	Local workstation access	Better for environments with permission restrictions
Helm	Teams standardized on Helm	Helm installation (includes kubit operator)	Provides consistent deployment with other Helm-managed applications

When to use kubectl

Use the kubectl approach when:

• You have cluster-wide permissions to install CRDs
• You prefer the simplest deployment method

[!important]

kubectl requires cluster-wide permissions

InfluxDB Clustered uses an AppInstance Kubernetes custom resource (CR) to configure and deploy your InfluxDB Cluster. Installing a CustomResourceDefinition (CRD) requires cluster-wide permissions, so if you don't have these permissions, kubectl may fail.

When to use kubit CLI

Use the kubit local apply CLI approach when:

• You don't have permissions to install CRDs
• You don't have permissions to install operators in the kubit namespace
• You don't have permissions to create cluster-wide RBAC
• You're working in an air-gapped environment
• You want to preview generated YAML before applying
• You don't want to run the operator in your cluster

The kubit local apply method is specifically designed to avoid having to install the operator in air-gapped environments, making it easier to implement. This approach processes the AppInstance resource on your local machine and then applies the resulting Kubernetes resources directly to the cluster without requiring the kubit operator to be running in the cluster.

When to use Helm

Use the Helm approach when:

• Your team is standardized on Helm for Kubernetes deployments
• You prefer consistent deployment methods across applications
• You want simplified management of the full stack
• You need better support for upgrades and rollbacks

The InfluxDB Clustered Helm chart includes the kubecfg kubit operator.

{{% /expand %}} {{% /expand-wrapper %}}

{{< children >}}