In this short demo video titled “How to Register and Install GitLab Kubernetes Agent into Your Cluster,” the product manager at GitLab, Victor Knight, walks you through the process of registering and installing the GitLab Kubernetes Agent into your cluster. Victor starts by outlining the prerequisites for this video, which include having a project and a cluster set up. He emphasizes the importance of being connected to the cluster from your local terminal, as running commands will be necessary.
Victor then discusses the project, highlighting the absence of a gitlab CRM file and the presence of a configurable file called “dot.gitlab/agent.” This file configures the agent to deploy an example YAML within the project itself, creating a namespace and a deployment that deploys nginx in two replicas. He guides you to the infrastructure menu, specifically the “Kubernetes Clusters” section, and explains how to select the unregistered agent configuration. Victor also stresses the importance of keeping the agent token private and provides an installation method for quick start as well as a link to more elaborate installation documentation. With the necessary information, he guides you through the process in the terminal, creating a cluster and a namespace for the agent. Finally, Victor showcases the created namespaces and the agent deployment.
By following Victor’s instructions in this quick and informative video, you can easily register and install the GitLab Kubernetes Agent into your cluster. So make sure you’re connected to your cluster from your local terminal, and give this agent a try for seamless integration with GitLab.
Register GitLab Kubernetes Agent into Your Cluster
In this article, you will learn how to register and install the GitLab Kubernetes Agent into your cluster. This agent allows you to deploy and manage your applications using GitLab’s powerful tools and features. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to integrate the agent into your cluster and take advantage of its capabilities.
Prerequisites
Before you begin the registration process, there are a few prerequisites that you need to have in place. Firstly, ensure that you have a project set up in GitLab. This project will serve as the foundation for deploying your applications. Secondly, make sure that you have a Kubernetes cluster already configured and accessible. You will need to connect to this cluster from your local terminal to run the necessary commands.
Accessing the Cluster
To register the GitLab Kubernetes Agent, you need to have access to your cluster from your local terminal. Ensure that you are already connected to the cluster before proceeding with the installation. This connection will allow you to run commands and configure the agent within your cluster.
Configuring the Agent
Before installing the GitLab Kubernetes Agent, you need to configure it according to your specific requirements. This configuration involves specifying the agent version, the agent server address, and the token. These details will facilitate the authentication and communication between GitLab and the agent.
Install GitLab Kubernetes Agent
There are two methods available for installing the GitLab Kubernetes Agent: the One-Liner installation method and the Elaborate installation method.
Using the One-Liner Installation Method
The One-Liner installation method is the quickest and easiest way to get started with the agent. You can execute a single command to install the agent into your cluster. This method is recommended for getting up and running quickly.
Using the Elaborate Installation Method
The Elaborate installation method provides more flexibility and customization options. It is suitable for cases where you require a more detailed installation process. The steps for this method are documented in GitLab’s official documentation, which you can refer to for a more comprehensive guide.
Creating a Namespace for the Agent
To organize and manage the GitLab Kubernetes Agent, it is recommended to create a namespace specifically for it. This namespace will contain all the relevant resources related to the agent.
Using a Terminal
You can create a namespace for the agent using a terminal by running a command. This command will create the necessary namespace within your cluster.
Using YAML Manifest
Alternatively, you can create a namespace for the agent by using a YAML manifest file. This file will define the configuration and parameters for creating the namespace. By applying this manifest, you can easily create the namespace with all the desired specifications.
Configuring the Agent
After creating the namespace, you need to configure the GitLab Kubernetes Agent according to your requirements. This configuration involves specifying the agent version, the agent server address, and the token.
Specifying Agent Version
You can specify the version of the agent that you want to use. GitLab provides different versions of the agent, and it is recommended to choose the appropriate version for your needs. Specify the desired version in the configuration to ensure compatibility and stability.
Providing Agent Server Address
The agent server address is the location where the Kubernetes agent server is hosted. This server is responsible for managing the agent’s communication with GitLab. Provide the correct server address in the configuration to establish a connection between the agent and GitLab.
Including the Token
To authenticate with GitLab using the GitLab Kubernetes Agent, you need to include the agent token in the configuration. This token is generated during the registration process and should never be shared publicly. It acts as a secure authentication mechanism between the agent and GitLab.
Verifying Successful Installation
Once you have completed the installation and configuration of the GitLab Kubernetes Agent, you can verify its successful deployment in your cluster.
Checking Namespace
You can check the namespace in your cluster to ensure that it was created successfully. Verify that the namespace related to the agent exists and contains the necessary resources.
Viewing Agent Deployment
Within the namespace, you can view the agent deployment. This deployment represents the running instance of the GitLab Kubernetes Agent in your cluster. Ensure that the deployment is active and functioning as expected.
Registering the Agent in GitLab
To fully integrate the GitLab Kubernetes Agent with your GitLab environment, you need to register it. This registration process allows GitLab to recognize and manage the agent.
Accessing Infrastructure Menu
In GitLab, navigate to the Infrastructure menu and select the Kubernetes Clusters option. This will take you to the clusters page, where you can manage your Kubernetes clusters.
Selecting GitLab Agent Manage Clusters Tab
On the clusters page, select the “GitLab Agent Manage Clusters” tab. This tab is specifically designed for managing the GitLab Kubernetes Agent.
Selecting Agent Configuration
Within the “GitLab Agent Manage Clusters” tab, select the option for agent configuration. This will allow you to specify the configuration details for the agent.
Obtaining the Token
During the agent configuration process, you will be provided with a unique token. This token is essential for authenticating the agent with GitLab. Ensure that you securely obtain and store this token, as it should never be shared publicly.
Installing GitLab Kubernetes Agent
After completing the registration process and obtaining the agent token, you can proceed with the installation of the GitLab Kubernetes Agent into your cluster.
Using the One-Liner Installation Method
If you opted for the One-Liner installation method during the agent registration, you can execute a single command to install the agent into your cluster. This method simplifies the installation process and is ideal for quick deployment.
Copying the Token for Elaborate Installation
If you chose the Elaborate installation method during agent registration, it is crucial to copy the agent token. This token will be required during the installation process. Make sure to secure the token and keep it accessible for the installation.
Creating a Namespace for the Agent
Similar to the earlier step, you will need to create a namespace specifically for the GitLab Kubernetes Agent. This namespace will ensure proper organization and management of the agent-related resources.
Creating a Namespace using a Terminal
You can create the namespace for the agent using a terminal command. This command will create the necessary namespace within your cluster, similar to the earlier process.
Creating a Namespace using YAML Manifest
Alternatively, you can create the namespace by using a YAML manifest file. This file will define the configuration and parameters for creating the namespace. By applying this manifest, you can easily create the namespace with all the desired specifications.
Configuring the Agent
After creating the namespace, you will need to configure the GitLab Kubernetes Agent to suit your requirements. This configuration includes specifying the agent version, agent server address, and token.
Specifying the Agent Version
Specify the version of the agent you want to use. Choose the appropriate version based on your needs and compatibility requirements. This step will ensure that the agent functions correctly in your environment.
Providing the Agent Server Address
Include the agent server address in the configuration. This address represents the location of the Kubernetes agent server, separate from GitLab. Ensure the address is accurate to establish a connection between the agent and the server.
Including the Token
Securely include the agent token in the configuration. This token will authenticate the agent with GitLab and facilitate communication between the two. Ensure the token is copied correctly and remains confidential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, integrating the GitLab Kubernetes Agent into your cluster provides numerous benefits and functionalities for managing your applications. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive article, you can successfully register and install the agent into your cluster. Remember to configure the agent according to your specific requirements and verify its successful deployment. By doing so, you will be empowered to leverage GitLab’s powerful tools and features for seamless application deployment and management.