> 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/terminal.md).

# release instances terminal

Command reference doc for the Release CLI

Start a terminal shell in a running instance

## Description

Start a terminal shell in a running instance

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

If the INSTANCE argument 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 terminal [INSTANCE] [flags]
```

## Examples

```

Terminal into an instance selecting the environment interactively:
> release instances terminal

Terminal into an instance in a specific app and environment:
> release instances terminal --app web --environment staging

Terminal into a specific service instance:
> release instances terminal backend

Terminal into a specific container in a pod:
> release instances terminal backend --container sidecar
```

## 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)                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| `-c`, `--container <string>` | Container name (for multi-container pods)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| `--environment <string>`     | Environment handle or ID                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| `--if-multiple <string>`     | Behavior when multiple instances match the query. Options: - first: Automatically select the first matching instance - last: Automatically select the last matching instance - random: Automatically select a random matching instance - prompt: Interactively select an instance |

## 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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