README Highlight Issue #43, 2023: k0s

In this week’s issue of README Highlight (#43, 2023), we are taking a look at the following project: k0s.

k0s is an all-inclusive Kubernetes distribution developed by Team Lens. It is designed to be a zero-friction solution for building Kubernetes clusters, packaged as a single binary for ease of use. It can be deployed in various environments, including cloud, IoT gateways, edge, and bare metal deployments, thanks to its simple design, flexible deployment options, and modest system requirements.

Key features of k0s include different installation methods (single-node, multi-node, airgap, and Docker), automatic lifecycle management with k0sctl for upgrades and backup/restore, modest system requirements (1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM), vanilla upstream Kubernetes with no changes, and support for custom Container Network Interface (CNI) and Container Runtime Interface (CRI) plugins. It also supports all Kubernetes storage options with Container Storage Interface (CSI) and a variety of datastore backends.

To get started with k0s, users can refer to the Quick Start Guide for creating a full Kubernetes cluster with a single node, use k0sctl for deploying and upgrading multi-node clusters, watch a NanoDemo recording for a visual demonstration, or run k0s in Docker containers. The project also provides comprehensive documentation and resources for further exploration.

The k0s project is open to community participation and welcomes contributions. Users can join the Lens Forums or submit issues and feature requests via GitHub. The project is continuously improving and has reached a production-ready state, with regular releases and stability improvements.

In terms of scope, k0s aims to provide a versatile base for running Kubernetes in various setups, minimizing the inclusion of “add-ons” and focusing on a robust and flexible core. The project believes in keeping fewer opinions and reducing the maintenance burden of external addons.

Building k0s from source is facilitated by GNU Make and Docker, with all compilation steps performed inside Docker containers. The project offers two different build options: a self-contained build with all binaries compiled from source and embedded, and a package maintainer build without any embedded binaries. Smoke tests are also available to ensure the functionality of the built binaries.

In conclusion, k0s offers a zero-friction Kubernetes distribution with a focus on simplicity, flexibility, and performance. It provides a comprehensive set of features, easy installation and management, and compatibility with various deployment environments. With its active development and community involvement, k0s aims to be a modern and reliable choice for Kubernetes deployments.