---
title: Context for the shared cluster
description: Kubernetes uses contexts to access Kubernetes clusters. Before you can access the shared cluster, you must create a context on your local computer if it's not already present.
component: forgeops
version: 7.4
page_id: forgeops::cdk/cloud/setup/gke/context
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/forgeops/7.4/cdk/cloud/setup/gke/context.html
keywords: ["Kubernetes Context"]
section_ids:
  next_step: Next step
---

# Context for the shared cluster

Kubernetes uses contexts to access Kubernetes clusters. Before you can access the shared cluster, you must create a context on your local computer if it's not already present.

To create a context for the shared cluster:

1. Run the kubectx command and review the output. The current Kubernetes context is highlighted:

   * If the current context references the shared cluster, there is nothing further to do. Proceed to [Namespace](namespace.html).

   * If the context of the shared cluster is present in the kubectx command output, set the context as follows:

     ```
     $ kubectx my-context
     Switched to context "my-context".
     ```

     After you have set the context, proceed to [Namespace](namespace.html).

   * If the context of the shared cluster is not present in the kubectx command output, continue to the next step.

2. Configure the gcloud CLI to use your Google account. Run the following command:

   ```
   $ gcloud auth application-default login
   ```

3. A browser window prompts you to log in to Google. Log in using your Google account.

   A second screen requests several permissions. Select Allow.

   A third screen should appear with the heading, You are now authenticated with the gcloud CLI!

4. Return to the terminal window and run the following command. Use the cluster name, zone, and project name you [obtained from your cluster administrator](clusterinfo.html):

   ```
   $ gcloud container clusters \
    get-credentials cluster-name --zone google-zone --project google-project
   Fetching cluster endpoint and auth data.
   kubeconfig entry generated for cluster-name.
   ```

5. Run the kubectx command again and verify that the context for our Kubernetes cluster is now the current context.

## Next step

* [icon: check-square-o, set=fa][Get the forgeops repository](forgeops.html)

* [icon: check-square-o, set=fa][Install third-party software](sw.html)

* [icon: check-square-o, set=fa][Get details about the shared GKE cluster](clusterinfo.html)

* [icon: check-square-o, set=fa][Create a Kubernetes context](#)

* [icon: square-o, set=fa]*[Create a Kubernetes namespace](namespace.html)*

* [icon: square-o, set=fa][Set up hostname resolution](hostname.html)