Hey everyone! I'm really eager to dive deep into Kubernetes and learn by actually working on projects rather than just consuming content passively. I've got a solid background with Docker, and I'm currently involved in an open-source project called Kgateway, which focuses on Kubernetes. It's great, but I often feel a bit lost when it comes to grasping the core concepts and how everything works beneath the surface. I want to build a stronger understanding of the fundamentals.
The tricky part is that many of the best courses I've found are on the pricey side, and I'm not in a position to spend a lot of money right now. So, I'm reaching out for recommendations—any structured, hands-on, free or low-cost resources or pathways that helped you learn Kubernetes effectively? Any tips or experiences would be super helpful. Thanks so much in advance!
5 Answers
Don't forget about GitOps! It’s pretty essential for managing Kubernetes deployments efficiently. It might be worth looking into for more advanced setups later on!
Have you considered setting up a local Kubernetes cluster on your laptop? I found it really helpful. You can use something like kind (Kubernetes in Docker) to easily create clusters. Just pick an application you want to run and go from there. Or if you're up for something a bit more engaging, grab a couple of Raspberry Pis and install k3s for a lightweight version. It's a hands-on approach that really cements the learning! Also, there are some decent affordable Kubernetes courses on Udemy to check out if your budget allows it.
There's this repo called 'Kubernetes The Hard Way.' It’s intense but teaches you a lot about what goes on under the hood. If you’re up for a challenge, it could be worth exploring!
Another great way to learn is by deploying applications directly onto a Kubernetes cluster. I suggest using Claude or something similar to help you create a test web app with a database, then let it help you deploy it on Kubernetes. It really gives you practical insights, like managing workloads and troubleshooting. While it doesn’t replace learning the fundamentals, it’s a super handy tool to have!
I think using Vagrant to set up a 1 master-3 worker nodes cluster is a fantastic way to dive into the details of Kubernetes. I have a decent setup with my laptop, and it runs smoothly. I’ve also tried it on Raspberry Pi, but it can be a bit slow there. The hands-on experience really helped me understand how everything works together!
Sounds tough but super educational! I should really give that a shot.