How to Install K3s: Lightweight Kubernetes

K3s is a lightweight Kubernetes distribution designed for resource-constrained environments and edge computing scenarios. It is a perfect fit for developers looking to deploy containerized applications with a minimal footprint. In this tutorial, you will learn how to install K3s on your system step-by-step.

Prerequisites

• A machine or virtual environment running Linux (Ubuntu or CentOS recommended).
• Sudo or root privileges on the system.
• A connection to the internet for downloading necessary packages.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing K3s, ensure your system is up-to-date. Run the following commands:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y  # For Ubuntu
sudo yum update -y  # For CentOS

Step 2: Install K3s

Installing K3s is straightforward, thanks to its installer script. Execute the command below in your terminal:

curl -sfL https://get.k3s.io | sh -

This command will download and install K3s, setting it up with default configurations.

Step 3: Verify K3s Installation

Once K3s is installed, verify the installation by checking the service status:

sudo systemctl status k3s

Your K3s service should be active and running.

Step 4: Configure Kubeconfig

K3s provides a kubeconfig file to interact with your Kubernetes clusters. Configure your shell to use it:

export KUBECONFIG=/etc/rancher/k3s/k3s.yaml

Verify the Kubernetes nodes with:

kubectl get nodes

Troubleshooting K3s Installation

If you encounter issues, check the logs with:

journalctl -u k3s

Ensure no firewall is blocking the ports used by K3s, primarily port 6443 for API server communication.

Summary Checklist

• Ensure your system is updated.
• Run the K3s installer script.
• Check the K3s service status.
• Configure kubeconfig for managing the cluster.

For detailed network configuration or scaling your deployments with K3s, consult the official K3s documentation (Official site).

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Dorian Kane

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