Docker driver: recover profiles after the node container is removed
Problem
TestMissingContainerUpgrade covers restarting a Docker-backed minikube profile after its node container has been removed while the persistent /var volume remains. Removing the container also removes non-persisted Kubernetes state such as /etc/kubernetes, leaving the profile in a state that the current startup path does not recover from reliably. The supported behavior and recovery path are unclear.
Reproduction
- Start a Docker-driver profile:
minikube start --driver=docker - Remove its node container outside minikube:
docker rm -f minikube - Start the profile again:
minikube start --driver=docker
The test scenario uses a named profile; substitute that profile's node container name in step 2.
Expected behavior
Determine whether minikube should recover the profile from the surviving data or reject the inconsistent state with a clear diagnostic and recovery instructions. Document the supported behavior and how users can recover.
Context
TestMissingContainerUpgrade is skipped in PR #23759 while this pre-existing behavior is investigated. The issue is not caused by the supported-version change in that PR.
Source: kubernetes/minikube