storageClassName

storageClassName is a field in the PersistentVolumeClaim (PVC) specification that identifies the StorageClass to use for provisioning and binding a volume. A StorageClass is a cluster-scoped resource that describes how a volume should be provisioned, including the provisioner, parameters, and reclaim policy.

When a PVC specifies a storageClassName, the Kubernetes control plane uses the associated dynamic provisioner to create a PersistentVolume (PV) that satisfies the claim, if a suitable PV or dynamic provisioning path is available. The PV that is created or selected must have a matching storageClassName to bind to the PVC. This mechanism enables dynamic provisioning, where storage can be created on demand according to the class’s configuration.

If storageClassName is omitted or left empty, the behavior depends on the cluster configuration and version. In some environments, a default StorageClass may be used for dynamic provisioning; in others, the claim will require a pre-provisioned PV with a matching storageClassName or without a storageClassName. A PVC will not bind to a PV unless their storageClassName values are compatible.

StorageClass resources define parameters such as the provisioner (the backend storage driver), parameters for the provisioning process, and optional features like volume binding mode. Administrators use StorageClasses to describe the capabilities and policies of different storage backends, while users specify storageClassName on claims to request those capabilities.

See also: StorageClass, PersistentVolume, PersistentVolumeClaim, dynamic provisioning.