Installing Knative¶
Choose a route based on whether you want to try Knative locally or install it on a Kubernetes cluster you administer. Serving and Eventing can be installed independently. Knative Functions uses the func client to build and deploy containers; it is not a separate cluster component to install.
Installation roadmap¶
Try Knative locally¶
If you are learning Knative, start with the Quickstart installation. It sets up a local environment for the guided exercises. You do not need to choose a cluster installation method first.
Install on an existing cluster¶
These routes are for Kubernetes administrators with permission to install cluster-wide resources. First check the installation requirements, then choose a method:
- Apply release manifests: Install Serving with YAML, install Eventing with YAML, or both. You manage the installed manifests and your customizations.
- Use a controller to manage the installation: Install with the Knative Operator. You manage Operator custom resources. If you prefer the CLI workflow, use the Operator CLI installation guide.
An installation procedure does not by itself establish production readiness. Plan configuration, security, availability, monitoring, and upgrades for your environment; see administrator guidance.
YAML and Knative Operator installations compared¶
For responsibilities, customization, and GitOps trade-offs, read Choosing an installation method. Both methods work with an existing cluster; neither replaces Kubernetes administration.
Extensibility¶
Choose ingress, messaging, and optional integrations for your environment using the installation extensions catalog. Follow the implementation-specific installation guide before enabling an extension. For commercial distributions and hosted options, see Knative offerings.
Networking plugins¶
Use the networking plugins catalog to find ingress implementations and their installation guidance.
Messaging plugins¶
Use the messaging plugins catalog to find transport options; implementation-specific capabilities and migration behavior require separate review.
Integration plugins¶
Use the integration plugins catalog to find certificate-management installation guidance.
Installation resources¶
After installing:
- Configure: Configure Knative using the Operator, or read Working with ConfigMaps for installations not managed by the Operator.
- Secure: Security guidance and disclosure.
- Maintain: Check the installed version and upgrade Knative.
- Recover or remove: Troubleshoot installation or uninstall Knative.