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Own the Kubernetes By Deploying It
Let’s take the matter into our own hands and master the basics of Kubernetes by deploying a personal, single-node cluster for side projects on the cheapest VPS you can find.
As the great, Admin Mickiewicz (1798–1855), in the “Ode to Juniors” wrote:
Down from the Cloud where the Vendor locks
A self-thought DevOps drops.
He is his own rudder, sailor, and vessel.
Oh… so you mean OWN the cluster, like literally?
FROM note:latest as introduction
This article is based on my personal notes on building a single-node Kubernetes cluster. It’s one of those you-don’t-need-it projects, primarily for educational purposes.
This is the first part of the series and covers:
- Installation of Kubernetes
- Manual import of Docker image to cluster, then integrating cluster with GHCR
- Finally, the deployment of a Hello World service
In the next parts, I’ll guide you through installing SSL and enabling persistence for databases and other types of storage.
Before we start
To complete this project you will need a low-cost VPS. I am using an Ubuntu VPS with 1 vCore CPU, 2GB RAM, and 20GB storage for less than $4 per month — and honestly, that’s sufficient.
I won’t recommend any specific hosting services. Take some time to find what works best for you. You might even be eligible for a free tier!
You will need root privileges and SSH access on your VPS. We won’t cover installing the OS or configuring SSH access.
Lastly, you’ll need a domain pointing to your VPS’s address.
A word of caution
I’ll do my best to explain the process clearly, but be aware that if you get stuck, you’re on your own 😉. I suggest working on a fresh, disposable VPS, so if something…
