What is the correct way to install addons with Kubernetes 1.1?

Question

What is the correct way to install addons with Kubernetes 1.1? The docs aren't as clear as I'd like on this subject; they seem to imply that one should copy addons' yaml files to /etc/kubernetes/addons on master nodes, but I have tried this and nothing happens.

Additionally, for added confusion, the docs imply that addons are bundled with Kubernetes:

So the only persistent way to make changes in add-ons is to update the manifests on the master server. But still, users are discouraged to do it on their own - they should rather wait for a new release of Kubernetes that will also contain new versions of add-ons.

So, how should I really install addons, f.ex. cluster-loadbalancing, with Kubernetes 1.1?

Answer 1

... they seem to imply that one should copy addons' yaml files to /etc/kubernetes/addons on master nodes, but I have tried this and nothing happens.

This is only true if you are using one of the salt-based installation mechanisms.

So, how should I really install addons, f.ex. cluster-loadbalancing, with Kubernetes 1.1?

Most of the add-ons can be installed by just running kubectl create -f against the replication controller and service files for the add-on. You need to create the kube-system namespace first if you haven't already, and some of the add-ons (like dns) require you to fill in a few values in a jinja template that would otherwise be handled by salt.