# kind

> kind (Kubernetes in Docker) creates local Kubernetes clusters using Docker containers as nodes, ideal for development and CI.

- Source: https://www.itwonderlab.com/kind/
- Published: 2026-08-01
- Updated: 2026-08-01
- Author: Javier Ruiz Jiménez (https://www.javierruizjimenez.com/)
- Site: IT Wonder Lab (https://www.itwonderlab.com/)

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**kind** starts each [Kubernetes](https://www.itwonderlab.com/kubernetes/) node as a [Docker](https://www.itwonderlab.com/docker/) container, so a multi-node cluster starts in about a minute and is deleted with one command. It is the standard tool to test manifests and Helm charts in CI.

### Key concepts

- **Cluster config**: a YAML file with nodes and port mappings.
- **kind load docker-image**: put a local image in the cluster without a registry.
- **Context**: `kind-<name>` in your kubeconfig.

### Learn it

Follow [Create a local Kubernetes cluster with kind](https://www.itwonderlab.com/kind-local-kubernetes-cluster/). Other local options are [K3s](https://www.itwonderlab.com/k3s/) and [Rancher Desktop](https://www.itwonderlab.com/rancher-desktop/).