How to use environment variables in a Kubernetes manifest

If you’re a Docker/Compose user new to Kubernetes, you might have noticed that you can’t use environment variables in your manifest files. This might not be a huge deal to most, especially since there are other (better) ways of managing environment variables in Kubernetes, but to someone getting started it can be a pain.
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Deploy a Kubernetes cluster with Kubernetes in Docker (Kind)

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In a previous post, I showed how to build your own Kubernetes clusters using K3s. Since then, I’ve found an even easier cluster deployment tool that runs entirely within Docker. That’s right – if you have a computer with Docker installed, you can run a full multi-node Kubernetes cluster with no additional setup. This post shows you how to do it, and provides an all-in-one script for spinning up a full cluster with a demo website in one command.

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Bootstrap a Kubernetes cluster with KVM and K3s

Container Ships

No joke, Kubernetes is a pain in the butt to set up yourself. Managed services like GKE and EKS are great if you have extra cash, but if you just want a basic cluster to mess around in (or you’re cheap like me), eventually you’ll start looking for a way to do it yourself.

After a lot of futzing around, I finally got a virtualized 3-node Kubernetes lab running on my home server. It’s not redundant, secure, or fail-safe, but I can run K8s applications on it without problem. And you can’t beat the cost. This blog will show you how to set up your own fully functioning, free Kubernetes cluster.

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