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Kubernetes Dashboards

This guide provides an overview and installation instructions for three popular Kubernetes dashboard tools:

These tools make it easier to visualize, manage, and troubleshoot Kubernetes clusters.

1. Kubernetes Dashboard

Overview

The Kubernetes Dashboard is a web-based UI that allows you to manage applications, monitor cluster resources, and troubleshoot workloads within your cluster.

Installation

Deploy the dashboard with the following command:

kubectl apply -f https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kubernetes/dashboard/v2.7.0/aio/deploy/recommended.yaml

Accessing the Dashboard

Create a Service Account and ClusterRoleBinding:

kubectl create serviceaccount dashboard-admin-sa -n kubernetes-dashboard
kubectl create clusterrolebinding dashboard-admin-sa   --clusterrole=cluster-admin   --serviceaccount=kubernetes-dashboard:dashboard-admin-sa

Get the authentication token:

kubectl -n kubernetes-dashboard create token dashboard-admin-sa

Start the proxy:

kubectl proxy

Access the dashboard at:
http://localhost:8001/api/v1/namespaces/kubernetes-dashboard/services/https:kubernetes-dashboard:/proxy/

Using Kubernetes Dashboard with Minikube

If you are running Kubernetes with Minikube, enabling the dashboard is even easier.

Enable the Dashboard Addon:

minikube addons enable dashboard

Start the Dashboard:

minikube dashboard

This command will automatically open the Dashboard in your default web browser.

2. Lens

Overview

Lens is a popular desktop application for Kubernetes cluster management. It provides an intuitive interface for monitoring workloads, nodes, logs, and cluster health.

Installation

  • macOS (Homebrew):
brew install --cask lens
  • Windows (Chocolatey):
choco install lens

Usage

  • Start Lens and add your cluster via ~/.kube/config.
  • Explore resources such as pods, deployments, and services.
  • Use built-in terminal and monitoring features for troubleshooting.

3. Headlamp

Overview

Headlamp is an open-source, web-based Kubernetes UI. Unlike Lens, it runs as a web app and supports plugins for customization.

Installation

You can run Headlamp as a desktop app or deploy it into a cluster.

Option 1: Desktop App

  • macOS (Homebrew):
brew install headlamp

Option 2: Deploy in Cluster

kubectl apply -f https://raw.githubusercontent.com/headlamp-k8s/headlamp/main/kubernetes-headlamp.yaml

Expose the service (e.g., via kubectl port-forward or Ingress).

Usage

  • Log in with your kubeconfig file or token.
  • Navigate through workloads, namespaces, and nodes.
  • Extend functionality using available plugins.

Comparison

Feature Kubernetes Dashboard Lens (Desktop) Headlamp (Web/Desktop)
Interface Web UI Desktop app Web & Desktop app
Installation In-cluster YAML Binary/AppImage In-cluster or Desktop
Authentication Token kubeconfig kubeconfig / token
Extensibility Limited No plugins Plugin system

✅ You can choose the tool that best fits your needs:

  • Kubernetes Dashboard → Official and lightweight.
  • Lens → Powerful desktop client.
  • Headlamp → Flexible, extensible, and web-based.