Hands-on Kubernetes practice platform. Live cluster scenarios, cert prep for the full Golden Kubestronaut path, and zero AI API dependency. Self-hosted on your laptop or homelab.
Nimi is a self-hosted Kubernetes learning platform that runs inside your own cluster. Two modes, one install:
Live cluster — Nimi deploys scenarios directly into your cluster. It breaks things on purpose, asks you to build things from spec, and verifies your work automatically with kubectl. No simulated environments — real resources, real commands, real feedback.
Cert study — Structured knowledge prep for every certification on the Golden Kubestronaut path, with spaced repetition, per-domain readiness scoring, and content grounded in official documentation.
Both modes work fully offline after install. Content syncs automatically from this repo in the background when internet is available.
🚧 Under active development — not yet ready for use.
Watch this repo or check Releases for the first version.
Nimi covers all 16 certifications on the Golden Kubestronaut path:
| Tier | Certifications |
|---|---|
| Kubestronaut | KCNA · KCSA · CKA · CKAD · CKS |
| Golden path | LFCS · PCA · ICA · CCA · CAPA · CGOA · CBA · OTCA · KCA · CNPA · CNPE |
Download the nimi CLI from Releases for your platform, then:
nimi installThat's it. The CLI runs preflight checks, installs Nimi into your current kubectl context, and prints the URL with a QR code you can scan from your phone.
Requirements: kubectl pointing at a local test cluster (minikube, kind, or k3s) and helm v3+.
⚠️ Destructive by design. Nimi creates, modifies, and deletes real Kubernetes resources. Only use it against a local test cluster. Never point it at a work or production cluster.
nimi install # preflight + install
nimi check # preflight checks only, no install
nimi upgrade # rolling upgrade, no downtime
nimi status # cluster connection, version, content sync state
nimi uninstall # remove Nimi and clean up
- Live cluster scenarios — break-and-fix, build-it, and answer-it tasks verified against your real cluster
- Cert study — spaced repetition (SM-2), per-domain readiness scores with decay, 16 cert tracks
- Profile and badges — earn badges for domain proficiency and cert readiness, exportable for LinkedIn and other platforms as Open Badges 3.0 credentials
- Phone study — scan a QR code from the app to study cert questions on your phone, no separate setup
- Offline-first — works with no internet; content syncs automatically in the background when available
- Zero AI dependency — no API key required to run; content is pre-generated and ships with the app
- Auto content updates — new questions and scenarios sync from this repo automatically, no action needed
Nimi runs as a Kubernetes Deployment in your cluster. A single nimi install command handles everything:
- Preflight checks (kubectl, helm, cluster reachability, permissions, DNS)
- Helm install into the
niminamespace - Waits for the deployment to be ready
- Prints the access URL and a terminal QR code
The frontend is accessible from any browser on the same network. Live cluster scenarios use a real embedded terminal — your actual kubectl commands, your actual cluster state.
Not yet open for contributions — the initial architecture is still being established.
Once v1 ships, contributions are welcome. See CONTRIBUTING.md for how to add scenarios, submit question corrections, and run tests locally.
Apache 2.0 — see LICENSE.