> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.release.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.release.com/cli/release/instances/exec.md).

# release instances exec

Command reference doc for the Release CLI

Execute a command in a running instance

## Description

Execute a command in a running instance

If an --environment flag is not provided it can be selected interactively through a fuzzy finder interface.

If the --instance flag is not provided it can be selected interactively through a fuzzy finder interface. If it is provided but matches more than one instance, the matching instances will be shown in the fuzzy finder.

```
release instances exec [FLAGS] -- COMMAND [ARGS...] [flags]
```

## Examples

```

Execute a command in an instance selecting the environment interactively:
> release instances exec -- psql

Execute a command in an instance in a specific app and environment:
> release instances exec --app web --environment staging -- psql

Execute a command in a specific service instance:
> release instances exec --app web --environment staging --instance backend -- psql
```

## Options

| `--account <string>`     | Account name or ID (default: $RELEASE\_ACCOUNT or "account" in config file)                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `--app <string>`         | App name or ID (default: $RELEASE\_APP or "app" in config file)                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| `--environment <string>` | Environment handle or ID                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| `--if-multiple <string>` | Behavior when multiple instances match the query. Options: - last: Automatically select the last matching instance - random: Automatically select a random matching instance - prompt: Interactively select an instance - first: Automatically select the first matching instance |
| `--instance <string>`    | Instance name query                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |

## Options inherited from parent commands

| `--config <string>` | config file (default is $HOME/.release.yaml) |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| `--debug`           | enable debug logging                         |

## Related

* [release instances](/cli/release/instances.md) - Manage instances


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