Kubernetes Dashboard 2.0 Beta: Secure Multi-Cluster UX
K8s Guru
2 min read
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Kubernetes SIG UI team released Kubernetes Dashboard 2.0 beta on December 11, 2019, modernizing the in-cluster UI with a new frontend, hardened auth, and multi-cluster ergonomics.
Frontend Overhaul
- Vue.js Architecture: Componentized UI accelerates feature development and theming.
- Resource Search: Global search narrows objects by name, namespace, or label selectors.
- Contextual Actions: Inline scale, edit, and delete actions reduce navigation clicks.
Security First
- Login Revamp: Token, kubeconfig, and OIDC support align with best practices.
- RBAC Awareness: UI hides actions you’re not authorized to perform, preventing confusing errors.
- Audit Trails: Login events and actions surface as Kubernetes Events for compliance tracking.
Multi-Cluster Friendly
- Context Switcher: Swap between clusters configured in kubeconfig without reloading.
- Namespace Favorites: Pin frequently used namespaces for faster navigation.
- Custom Resource Support: Improved CRD viewers with schema-driven forms.
Getting Started
kubectl apply -f https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kubernetes/dashboard/v2.0.0-beta8/aio/deploy/recommended.yaml
kubectl -n kubernetes-dashboard create token admin-user
Expose the dashboard securely via kubectl proxy or Ingress controllers with OIDC.
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | December 11, 2019 |
| Headline Features | Vue.js frontend, RBAC-first login, multi-cluster context |
| Why it Matters | Makes the official dashboard usable for real operations teams without compromising security |
Dashboard 2.0 beta shows that the Kubernetes UI can be both friendly and secure, welcoming operators back to the built-in experience.