Kafka CLI tutorials

Install the Kafka CLI tools and use them hands-on: kafka-topics, kafka-console-producer, kafka-console-consumer, kafka-consumer-groups and Kafka Connect.

Master Kafka operations using the command line interface

The Kafka CLI provides powerful tools for managing topics, producing and consuming messages, and monitoring consumer groups. These tutorials walk you through essential CLI operations with practical examples.

What you'll learn:

  • How to create, describe, and manage Kafka topics
  • How to produce and consume messages from the command line
  • How to work with consumer groups and monitor offsets
  • How to use Kafka Connect in standalone mode

Available CLI tutorials

ToolPurposeTutorial
kafka-topicsCreate, list, describe, alter topicsTopic management
kafka-console-producerSend messages to topicsProducer CLI
kafka-console-consumerRead messages from topicsConsumer CLI
kafka-console-consumerDemonstrate consumer groupsConsumer groups
kafka-consumer-groupsManage and reset consumer groupsGroup management
connect-standaloneRun Kafka Connect connectorsConnect CLI
CLI commands use platform-specific extensions: .bat for Windows, .sh for Mac and Linux. These tutorials show commands without extensions for brevity.

See it in practice with Conduktor

While the CLI is powerful for scripting and automation, Conduktor Console provides a visual interface for all these operations. Use both together for maximum productivity.

Next steps