I've recently found myself struggling with practical application after diving deep into DevOps tutorials (specifically Kodekloud), only to hit a wall due to life getting busy. I feel like I lost most of what I learned, especially after hitting Kubernetes. I've decided to get back on track, so I bought two Mini PCs and a network switch to create my own lab.
I'm planning to revisit my notes and practice, but I want to have hands-on projects to work on. I currently use GitLab at work as an SDET and have some experience with AWS and Terraform. My goal is to work on something like:
1. Build a simple REST app using C# and Blazor, or find a demo app online.
2. Install GitLab on one of the Mini PCs (both running Proxmox, but I'm unsure about using bare metal or Docker).
3. Containerize the app with Dockerfile and Docker Compose.
4. Deploy it on a free EC2 instance (though I'm pretty new to AWS).
5. Use Terraform for deployment automation.
6. Set up monitoring with Prometheus and Grafana.
7. Incorporate Kubernetes along the way.
Does this plan sound reasonable? Any specific advice or tools for my homelab setup?
3 Answers
Your approach is on the right track! Just to add, I built a mini Kubernetes cluster with a few used Mini PCs and I've been experimenting with deployments. For your setup, consider deploying a GitOps managed environment by automating GitLab and runners setup via Terraform. This could enhance your learning experience and give you practical skills that are great for your career.
That sounds like a solid plan! I recommend starting with environments that mimic your work setup, but don’t feel pressured to replicate everything exactly. Take it step-by-step; break your plan down into smaller milestones so you can track your progress without feeling overwhelmed. If using Kubernetes is a goal, start with Docker Compose first to build your confidence, then transition to Kubernetes when you’re ready. Remember, the tough parts are where you learn the most, so embrace those challenges and keep it fun!
Definitely check out r/homelab for some great resources. K3s is a light Kubernetes distribution that's perfect for your lab setup. Since you're using Proxmox, keep in mind it might add complexity, but it’s incredibly useful for snapshots and restoring your environment. Don’t hesitate to break things; that’s how you really learn!
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