Welcome back to our Indispensable Azure Tools series. This time, we’re exploring the KubeDeck suite, a set of tools that makes managing Kubernetes, especially on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), a whole lot easier. Created by Richard Hooper, better known as Pixel Robots, KubeDeck is all about simplifying cluster management. Let’s break down what it is, why it’s here, how you can use it, and get it running.
What’s the KubeDeck Suite All About?
When you’re managing Kubernetes, especially with AKS clusters, you need tools that make configurations, snapshots, and health checks easier to handle. That’s where the KubeDeck suite steps in. Built by Richard Hooper, a true Kubernetes expert who co-authored “Azure Containers Explained: Leverage Azure container technologies for effective application migration and deployment” (available at packtpub.com), it’s a growing collection of PowerShell-based tools like KubeTidy, KubeSnapIt, and KubeBuddy, all tied together with the KubeDeck Launcher UI.
KubeDeck — “The ultimate platform for simplifying Kubernetes management, featuring tools like KubeTidy and KubeSnapIt to automate resource cleanup and snapshots.” –kubedeck.io
PowerShell vs YAML
Why PowerShell? Richard explains it in the following post, “Why I Built KubeDeck: Enhancing Kubernetes Management with PowerShell”, highlighting how it’s a natural fit for Azure admins who’d rather script than wrestle with YAML. It’s open-source under the MIT License on GitHub (github.com/kubedeckio), works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, and keeps getting better with constant updates.
Understanding KubeDeck
Kubernetes is powerful, no doubt, but can also be a handful, configs pile, clusters expand, and keeping everything in line can be tough. KubeDeck changes that with simplicity, efficiency, and a modular design. Taken from the Readme: KubeDeck tackle specific headaches, like cluttered kubeconfig files or missing snapshots, without overcomplicating things.
For AKS users, it’s a standout, especially with KubeBuddy’s AKS best practices check, already boasting over three dozen checks to optimize your setup.
What’s inside the KubeDeck Toolbox
Here’s what you’re working with:
- KubeTidy: Keeps your kubeconfig files clean and organized—great for juggling multiple environments.
- KubeSnapIt: Captures cluster snapshots in YAML, letting you compare or roll back when needed.
- KubeBuddy: Checks your cluster’s pulse with diagnostics and AKS best practices checks.
- KubeDeck Launcher UI: Pulls it all together with a cool PowerShell menu to run everything from one spot.
From auditing AKS configs to troubleshooting issues, KubeDeck covers the bases.
Getting Started
Let’s set it up on a Windows machine with PowerShell (PowerShell 7 or higher is required), you’ll need an AKS cluster and kubectl ready to go. Here’s how:
#Installing the different components
Install-Module -Name KubeTidy -Scope CurrentUser
Install-Module -Name KubeSnapIt -Scope CurrentUser
Install-Module -Name KubeBuddy -Scope CurrentUser
Example commands:
Runs KubeTidy in dry-run mode
Invoke-KubeTidy -KubeConfigPath “$HOME.kube\config” -VerboseInvoke-KubeTidy -KubeConfigPath “$HOME.kube\config” -DryRunCapture Full Helm Snapshots
Invoke-KubeSnapIt -SnapshotHelm -Namespace “my-namespace” -OutputPath “./helm-backups”Capture All Namespaces
Invoke-KubeSnapIt -AllNamespaces -OutputPath “./snapshots”
The use the UI, install KubeDeck and start the KubeDeckLauncher
Install-Module -Name KubeDeck -Scope CurrentUserKubeDeck Launcher offers an easy to use GUI made entirely in PowerShell.
The KubeDeck Launcher is also available by running the following command
Start-KubeDeckLauncher
Linux and mc OS support
Installing KubeSnapIt and KubeTidy via Krew (Linux/macOS) as a kubectl plugin is also possible using:
kubectl krew install kubesnapit
kubectl krew install kubetidyBe sure to read the official Krew installation guide at: https://krew.sigs.k8s.io/docs/user-guide/setup/install
What’s Next for KubeDeck?
KubeDeck promises more tools ahead, each aimed at Kubernetes pain points. With PowerShell Gallery and Krew support, plus community input, it’s an interesting project for sure.
To summ it all up, the KubeDeck suite is a lifesaver for AKS management. Richard Hooper’s creation cuts through Kubernetes complexity with practical tools all impressively build in and with PowerShell. Simply install it, fire up Start-KubeDeckLauncher, and take charge. Check out kubedeck.io or kubedecklauncher.kubedeck.io to get going.
Stay tuned as we roll out more indispensable tools to power up your Azure cloud journey!