Getting started with the Mirantis Lens Kubernetes Extension in Docker Desktop

Millions of developers around the world use Docker Desktop with Kubernetes to design and deliver containerized applications. However, as the whole cloud native world knows, Kubernetes can be challenging to learn and use, to say the least. To help, Mirantis and Docker are teaming up to make it easier to build and deploy apps to Kubernetes. With the new Mirantis Lens Kubernetes Extension in Docker Desktop, developers can now conveniently access Kubernetes clusters in seconds within their familiar Docker Desktop environment. Developers can also get insights into real-time statistics, access log streams, and perform hands-on troubleshooting in the early stages of development, radically improving productivity and the speed to deliver business value.

Easily create and manage a Mirantis Lens Kubernetes Cluster

Until now, accessing a Kubernetes cluster from Docker Desktop has been a logistical task requiring developers to perform several steps both from the CLI and GUI. You had to enable Kubernetes from Docker Desktop Preferences, download and configure kubectl on your machine, switch contexts, and finally start to deploy an application on it. All of this could take 10-15 minutes.

Now, with the new Mirantis Lens Kubernetes Extension in Docker Desktop, all it takes to access a Kubernetes environment is a few clicks, and you’re there! By cutting down on logistical prep time, the new Mirantis Lens integration for Docker Desktop makes it faster for developers to get started building Kubernetes applications, so they can increase productivity.

Mirantis Lens Kubernetes is based on the open source k0s distribution led by Mirantis. It supports unlimited extensions and provides advanced security, including end-to-end FIPS compliance and true control plane isolation.

Quickly access the Mirantis Lens Desktop Application for full situational awareness

The integration also lets you connect to the popular Mirantis Lens Desktop Application in a snap. Mirantis Lens Desktop is an open source project led by Mirantis that makes it simple to navigate, monitor, and debug Kubernetes clusters without using YAML or kubectl commands. With more than 650,000 users, Mirantis Lens Desktop is one of the most popular tools in the cloud native ecosystem and a favorite among application developers and DevOps professionals all over the world.

Get started with the Mirantis Lens Kubernetes Extension for Docker Desktop

To access Mirantis Lens Kubernetes and the Mirantis Lens Desktop Application from Docker Desktop, follow these steps:

1. Open Docker Desktop.

2. Navigate to the Extensions page.

3. In the Extensions Marketplace, locate the Lens extension.

4. Click Install.

5. After the Lens extension is installed, Lens will appear in the list of Extensions in the left pane. Select Lens.
   

6. Click the play button to start the cluster. After deploying a cluster, the Lens extension will display real-time data about the cluster’s CPU, Memory and number of Pods.
   

7. Click on the status bar at the bottom to access additional capabilities.
   

   Kubernetes version - Click to select a different Kubernetes version for your cluster.
   
   Cluster Status - Click to start, stop or reset your environment.

8. Click the Open Lens Desktop button at the top to access the cluster.
   

9. For information about how to use Mirantis Lens Desktop Application, view the docs.

Here at Mirantis, we’re always looking out for developers and finding new ways to make their lives easier. By bringing together two things that developers love — Docker Desktop and Mirantis Lens — we hope to make the experience of building Kubernetes applications better for everyone. If you’d like to learn more about Mirantis' partnership with Docker, read our blog.