Virtual lab platforms (2024)
ADR started in June 2024.
Context and problem statement
As a technical writer, I would like to have a platform (similar to what was Katacoda) to create content so that I can provide workshops and exercises.
Requirements
- Scenarios are written is Markdown files, stored in a git repository
- A CLI makes possible to automate the content lifecycle
- A web interface gives access to the instructions and multiple terminals (similar to what Katacoda was providing, with instructions on a side and a terminal on the other side)
- Labs can be executed in Virtual Machines, that are created when a user starts and automatically destroyed when the user completes or after a given period
- A web application, running in the labs, can be accessed from the user browser
Considered options
| Name | Sources | Deployment | Free tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| HobbyFarm | :octocat: | Kubernetes | No restriction/limitation |
| instruqt | 🚫 | SaaS | None |
| iximiuz Labs | 🚫 | SaaS | 2h/day w/ limitations |
| Killercoda | 🚫 | SaaS | Free membership but slow performance |
| KodeKloud | 🚫 | SaaS | None (but some content is open to everyone) |
Decision outcome
⛵ Experimentation in progress!
- 🟠 HobbyFarm is the only open-source solution but the attempt to install it failed and small project with unclear governance, poor documentation & unsure about code quality
- 🟢 Instruqt works well, is used by most IT companies (de facto industry standard), follows IT standard, fair pricing but no free tier nor self-hosted option
- 🟡 iximiuz Labs is a great initiative of knowledge sharing, very nice UI but the templates are not working (cannot create content)
- 🟡 Killercoda is used by the community (Kubernetes project) but is only for public content
- 🔴 KodeKloud is an excellent e-learning platform but not opened for contribution