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 is for
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 is good
- 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.
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.
ctlptl plans and pricing
All plansCompared on local Kubernetes tools
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- macOS, Linux, Windows
- Graphical interface
- No
- Kubernetes version control
- Per-cluster selection via --kubernetes-version or kubernetesVersion, documented for Minikube
- Local registry support
- Yes
