Kubernetes for Software Developers — Chapter 2

Installing kubernetes

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There are several tools that allow you to use Kubernetes locally:

1. Minikube: Minikube is a tool that enables you to run a single-node Kubernetes cluster on your local machine. It supports various Kubernetes features and can be used to test and develop applications locally.
2. Kind: Kind, short for Kubernetes IN Docker, is a tool that enables you to run a Kubernetes cluster inside a Docker container. It is a lightweight option for testing and development purposes.
3. Docker Desktop: Docker Desktop includes a Kubernetes cluster that can be used for local development and testing. It is available for both Windows and Mac.
4. K3s: K3s is a lightweight, easy-to-install Kubernetes distribution that is designed for edge computing, IoT, and development environments. It can be used to set up a local Kubernetes cluster quickly.
5. MicroK8s: MicroK8s is a lightweight Kubernetes distribution that can be installed on Linux, Windows, and Mac. It is a good option for developers who want to experiment with Kubernetes and test their applications locally.

In this tutorial, we will go through the installation process of Colima for Kubernetes on macOS and Linux, If you are using windows, then I recommend using Docker Desktop instead.

Colima is a lightweight, open-source tool that simplifies the process of running Kubernetes on your local machine. With Colima, you can easily create, manage, and scale Kubernetes clusters locally without the need for complex installation and configuration.

Prerequisites

Before we get started with the installation process, make sure you have the following:

• A computer running macOS or Linux.
• Docker installed on your computer. You can download Docker from the official website: https://www.docker.com/get-started.
• Kubectl — CLI tool which allows you to run commands against Kubernetes clusters to deploy applications, inspect and manage cluster resources, view logs …etc.
• Homebrew (for macOS only). You can install Homebrew by running the following command in the Terminal: