Chapter 3. Running functions locally


You can run a function locally by using the kn func tool. This can be useful, for example, for testing the function before deploying it to the cluster.

3.1. Running a function locally

You can run a function locally by using the kn func run command in the current directory or by specifying a directory with the --path flag.

If you run the function for the first time, or if you change the project files, the kn func run command builds the function before running it.

You can run a function in the current directory by using the following command:

$ kn func run

You can run a function in a specific directory by specifying the path with the --path flag:

$ kn func run --path=<directory_path>

You can also force a rebuild of an existing image before running the function, even if there have been no changes to the project files, by using the --build flag:

You can run a function and trigger a build by using the --build flag:

$ kn func run --build

If you set the build flag as false, this disables building of the image, and runs the function by using the previously built image:

You can run a function without building it by using the --build=false flag:

$ kn func run --build=false

You can use the help command to learn more about kn func run command options:

$ kn func help run
Red Hat logoGithubredditYoutubeTwitter

Learn

Try, buy, & sell

Communities

About Red Hat

We deliver hardened solutions that make it easier for enterprises to work across platforms and environments, from the core datacenter to the network edge.

Making open source more inclusive

Red Hat is committed to replacing problematic language in our code, documentation, and web properties. For more details, see the Red Hat Blog.

About Red Hat Documentation

Legal Notice

Theme

© 2026 Red Hat
Back to top