Welcome to my study log and learning journey on Kubernetes Cluster API (CAPI).
Rather than opinion pieces or quick overviews, this series is structured as an engineering study log. Each module covers key concepts from first principles, breaks down controller architecture, explores practical mental labs/experiments, and highlights architectural trade-offs.
Learning Roadmap & Curriculum
Phase 1: Foundations & Mental Model (Modules 01 - 03)
├── 01. Kubernetes Managing Kubernetes (Mental Model & Problem Space)
├── 02. Cluster API Architecture & Control Planes
└── 03. Object Model & CRD Relationships
Phase 2: Hands-On Environment & Operations (Modules 04 - 07)
├── 04. Building Your First CAPI Environment
├── 05. clusterctl Deep Dive
├── 06. Anatomy of Cluster Creation Lifecycle
└── 07. Machine, MachineSet, and MachineDeployment Internals
Phase 3: Operational Reliability & Advanced Topologies (Modules 08 - 12)
├── 08. Scaling Workload Clusters
├── 09. Self-Healing & MachineHealthCheck
├── 10. Zero-Downtime Kubernetes Upgrades
├── 11. ClusterClass & Managed Topologies
└── 12. Cluster Autoscaler Integration
Phase 4: Production Patterns & Extension (Modules 13 - 16)
├── 13. Pivot Operations: Bootstrap vs Management Clusters
├── 14. Multi-Cluster Production Operations & GitOps
├── 15. Provider Contracts & Developer Architecture
└── 16. Building a Custom Infrastructure Provider
How Each Module Is Structured
Every entry in this learning series follows a dedicated study structure:
- Module Goals & Prerequisites: What we are learning and what background knowledge is required.
- First-Principles Breakdown & Diagrams: Clear, technical explanations with Mermaid charts and mental models.
- Practical Labs / Mental Experiments: Real-world scenarios, command outputs, and verification steps.
- Key Architectural Insights & Gotchas: Essential takeaways and edge cases to watch out for.
- Self-Check Questions: Comprehension prompts to test your understanding before continuing.