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The k8s-for-docker-desktop project automates the enablement and configuration of Kubernetes (and optionally Istio) on Docker Desktop installations for macOS and Windows. It helps users bootstrap a working Kubernetes cluster running inside Docker Desktop by loading required images, setting contexts, and applying manifests, thus reducing the manual setup friction. The repository includes both shell scripts and PowerShell scripts (for macOS/Linux and Windows respectively) to load container images, configure Kubernetes, and deploy supporting components. It also provides sample manifests (e.g. for the Kubernetes Dashboard, default RBAC resources) and configuration templates to streamline onboarding. One of its aims is compatibility: the README states which versions of Docker Desktop / Kubernetes the scripts have been tested against, and offers guidance on switching branches to match your K8s version.
Features
- Scripts to load Kubernetes required container images into Docker Desktop’s internal registry
- PowerShell + shell cross-platform support (macOS/Linux + Windows)
- Automatic deployment of Kubernetes dashboard and associated manifests
- Version-aware branching to match Docker Desktop / Kubernetes versions
- Optional Istio installation support with helper scripts (e.g. getLatestIstio.ps1)
- Sample applications & ingress setup templates for testing cluster functionality
Project Samples
