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ctlptl
What ctlptl is
ctlptl is a free command-line tool for declaratively configuring local Kubernetes clusters with YAML. Its commands can show running clusters, create clusters, apply configuration, and delete clusters along with their state. The project documents use with Docker Desktop, KIND, Minikube, and K3D, with registry support for KIND, Minikube, and K3D. Users can allocate CPUs and configure local registries alongside clusters; Minikube configurations can also select a Kubernetes version per cluster. ctlptl can create clusters on a remote Docker host, a capability described for CI environments such as CircleCI. Installation options include Homebrew for Mac and Linux, Scoop for Windows, Go install, Docker, and prebuilt release binaries. A Docker image containing recent versions of kind and ctlptl is offered for CI environments. The project is licensed under Apache License 2.0 and supports macOS, Linux, and Windows. Its README describes ctlptl as a work in progress and says it is not intended for remote clusters or remote development sandboxes. Usage analytics are anonymized, and users can opt out with a command.
Who it suits
ctlptl suits infrastructure engineers who want to manage consistent local Kubernetes development environments using YAML. It is also aimed at people handling common local cluster setup operations in CI environments.
What it does well
- Free under Apache License 2.0.
- Works with Docker Desktop, KIND, Minikube, and K3D.
- Supports local registry configuration.
- Offers several installation methods.
- Anonymized analytics can be opted out of.
What to know first
- Command-line tool; no graphical interface.
- Not intended for remote clusters or development sandboxes.
- Project is described as a work in progress.
- Repository has no security policy or published advisories.
Limits
ctlptl is free under Apache License 2.0, with no paid plans or usage limits stated. Its intended scope is local clusters, not remote clusters or remote development sandboxes.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ctlptl | Apache-2.0 licensed · no paid plans or usage limits stated | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 2 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Choose an installation route: Homebrew for macOS or Linux, Scoop for Windows, Go install, Docker, or a prebuilt release binary.
- Use the documented commands to view running clusters, create a cluster, apply configuration, or delete a cluster and its state.
- Configure cluster resources such as CPU allocation and local registries as needed.
- For CI environments, use the Docker image that contains recent versions of kind and ctlptl.
- Run `ctlptl analytics opt out` to opt out of anonymized usage statistics.
Verdict
ctlptl covers common local cluster setup tasks across several Kubernetes tools and operating systems. Its stated scope excludes remote clusters and development sandboxes, and the project describes itself as a work in progress.
Questions
Is ctlptl free?
Yes. The ctlptl plan is free, and the repository states that the project uses Apache License 2.0.
Which operating systems does ctlptl support?
It supports macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Which Kubernetes cluster tools are supported?
The README lists Docker Desktop, KIND, Minikube, and K3D. Local registry support is listed for KIND, Minikube, and K3D.
How can I install ctlptl?
Documented options include Homebrew for Mac and Linux, Scoop for Windows, Go install, Docker, and prebuilt release binaries.
Can ctlptl create remote clusters?
The project says it is not intended to set up remote clusters or remote development sandboxes. It can create a cluster on a remote Docker host, which the README describes as useful in CI environments.
Does ctlptl collect usage analytics?
It sends anonymized usage statistics. You can opt out with `ctlptl analytics opt out`.
Facts from ctlptl's own pages
- CI installation
- The installation appendix offers a Docker image containing recent versions of kind and ctlptl for CI environments. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Cluster commands
- Its main commands get running clusters, create clusters, apply cluster configuration, and delete clusters and their state. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Development status
- The README calls ctlptl a work in progress and welcomes contributions from the Kubernetes community. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Installation platforms
- The project documents installation through Homebrew for Mac and Linux, Scoop for Windows, Go install, Docker, and prebuilt release binaries. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project aims to help infrastructure engineers manage a consistent development environment and support common local cluster setup operations. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository states that ctlptl is licensed under Apache License 2.0. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Remote Docker
- It can create a cluster on a remote Docker host, which the README describes as useful in CI environments such as CircleCI. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Resource configuration
- ctlptl can allocate CPUs and configure local registries alongside clusters. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Scope limitation
- The README says ctlptl is not intended to set up remote clusters or remote development sandboxes. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Security
- GitHub's security page says the repository has no SECURITY.md policy and no published security advisories. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Supported cluster tools
- The README lists Docker Desktop, KIND, Minikube, and K3D, including registry support for KIND, Minikube, and K3D. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Usage analytics
- ctlptl sends anonymized usage statistics, and users can opt out with `ctlptl analytics opt out`. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
- What it does
- ctlptl is a command-line tool for declaratively setting up local Kubernetes clusters using YAML. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Where ctlptl stands on Freedom251
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