> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://notes.kodekloud.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating and deleting clusters

> Learn to create and delete a Kubernetes cluster using Linode Cloud Manager and explore automation with Terraform for provisioning.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to spin up a Kubernetes cluster using the Linode Cloud Manager UI and how to tear it down when you’re done. Later, you can automate provisioning with Terraform or another infrastructure-as-code tool.

<Callout icon="lightbulb" color="#1CB2FE">
  For repeatable workflows, consider using [Terraform](https://www.terraform.io) and the [Linode Terraform provider](https://registry.terraform.io/providers/linode/linode/latest).
</Callout>

## Prerequisites

* A Linode account with Kubernetes Engine enabled
* Familiarity with basic Kubernetes concepts
* Access to the Linode Cloud Manager (cloud.linode.com)

## Navigate to the Kubernetes Dashboard

1. Log in to the Linode Cloud Manager.
2. In the left sidebar, click **Kubernetes**.
3. You’ll see options to **Create Cluster** or browse documentation for deployments, ingress, CI/CD, monitoring, and observability.

## 1. Create a New Cluster

Click **Create Cluster** and configure these options:

1. **Cluster Name**\
   Enter a unique identifier, for example:\
   `kodekloud01`

2. **Region**\
   Select the data center nearest your users (e.g., **Newark, NJ**).

3. **Kubernetes Version**\
   Choose the latest supported release (e.g., **v1.23**).

4. **High-Availability Control Plane**\
   Enable to provision three control-plane nodes instead of one. This setup eliminates a single point of failure for etcd and the Kubernetes API.

<Callout icon="triangle-alert" color="#FF6B6B">
  Enabling High Availability adds approximately \$60/month to your bill. Ensure this aligns with your budget.
</Callout>

### 1.1 Define Your Worker Node Pools

Choose a node pool based on your workload:

| Node Pool Type | Use Case                          | Example Plan |
| -------------- | --------------------------------- | ------------ |
| Dedicated CPU  | CPU-bound builds and CI workloads | Linode 4 GB  |
| Shared CPU     | General development or testing    | Linode 2 GB  |
| High Memory    | Memory-intensive applications     | Linode 16 GB |

<Frame>
  ![The image shows a web interface for adding node pools to a cluster, displaying various dedicated CPU plans with details on pricing, RAM, CPUs, and storage. There is also a cluster summary on the right with an option to enable a high availability control plane.](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752881205/notes-assets/images/Linode-Kubernetes-Engine-Creating-and-deleting-clusters/node-pools-cluster-interface-summary.jpg)
</Frame>

For a dev environment, select **Shared CPU** → **Linode 2 GB**, then set node count:

* Development: 1–2 nodes
* Production: 3–4 nodes for redundancy and scaling

Add two nodes:

<Frame>
  ![The image shows a web interface for configuring a Kubernetes cluster, including options for selecting a region, Kubernetes version, and adding high memory node pools with various plans and pricing.](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752881206/notes-assets/images/Linode-Kubernetes-Engine-Creating-and-deleting-clusters/kubernetes-cluster-configuration-interface.jpg)
</Frame>

4. **Review & Create**\
   Confirm your settings and review the estimated monthly cost (\~\$80).

<Frame>
  ![The image shows a cloud service interface for configuring Kubernetes clusters, including options for selecting node pools with different plans based on RAM, CPUs, and storage. It also includes a cluster summary with pricing details and a recommendation for a minimum number of nodes.](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752881207/notes-assets/images/Linode-Kubernetes-Engine-Creating-and-deleting-clusters/kubernetes-cluster-config-interface.jpg)
</Frame>

Click **Create Cluster**. Provisioning takes 3–5 minutes as Linode sets up control-plane nodes, worker nodes, networking, and storage. When ready, your cluster appears in the dashboard:

<Frame>
  ![The image shows a Kubernetes management dashboard for a cluster named "kodekloud01," displaying details like version, CPU cores, RAM, and node pool status with IP addresses.](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752881208/notes-assets/images/Linode-Kubernetes-Engine-Creating-and-deleting-clusters/kubernetes-dashboard-kodekloud01-details.jpg)
</Frame>

## 2. Delete a Cluster

When you no longer need the cluster, delete it to stop billing:

1. In the **Kubernetes** dashboard, locate your cluster.
2. Click **Delete Cluster**, then confirm.

Deleting the cluster will remove all associated resources.

## Links and References

* [Linode Kubernetes Engine Documentation](https://www.linode.com/docs/kubernetes/)
* [Terraform Registry: Linode Provider](https://registry.terraform.io/providers/linode/linode)
* [Kubernetes Official Documentation](https://kubernetes.io/docs/)

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