Software Engineering | 01 Dec 2023 | 14 min
While developing various applications, most software companies have likely encountered the widely acclaimed concept of “containerization”. This technology is the driving force behind ensuring the uniform and efficient deployment of applications across a broad spectrum of environments.
However, with the rapid rise of containerization technologies, managing and scaling containerized applications slowly became a complex task. A single container wasn’t enough for many modern applications.
Developers needed a solution to automate the deployment, scaling, and management of these containers, enabling efficient communication between them.
This is exactly where the story of Kubernetes began as a powerful, open-source platform for container orchestration.
Let’s get into the depths of knowing about Kubernetes, its importance, operation, and the valuable contributions it can make to your app development journey.
Kubernetes, often abbreviated as K8s, is an open-source system that has revolutionized the way we deploy, scale, and manage containerized applications.
The name “Kubernetes” is derived from the Greek word for “Helmsman” or “Pilot”, emphasizing its role in guiding applications. This powerful platform provides a portable and extensible solution for managing containerized workloads and services. Thus, streamlining the process of declarative configuration and automation.
With Kubernetes, developers and DevOps teams have gained the ability to seamlessly navigate the complex waters of application deployment and scaling.
The whole Kubernetes ecosystem is continuously evolving, offering a wide range of services, robust support, and an array of tools that empower professionals to excel in their app development endeavors.
Further, explore how!
Kubernetes is truly special for your business. The proof lies around these benefits which you can expect:
Here, “Cluster” or rather, the “Kubernetes Cluster” might be a new term for you or at least for a few. Consider it as the powerhouse that ensures everything runs smoothly.
It’s not exactly like a human heart but think of it as the primary engine that drives Kubernetes to function seamlessly.
A Kubernetes Cluster is a collection of nodes, which can be virtual machines or physical servers, working together to manage and orchestrate containerized applications.
The cluster comprises a control plane and multiple compute nodes, each playing a crucial role in ensuring the desired state of the applications.
The control plane is responsible for overseeing the state of the cluster, such as which applications are running and the container images they use.
In contrast, the compute nodes execute the applications and workloads.
To better visualize this, refer to the figure below for a high-level overview of a Kubernetes cluster.
Fig.1 Overview of Kubernetes Cluster
Now that you’ve grasped the basics of Kubernetes, let’s explore how it works with the help of its architectural diagram.
As mentioned earlier, a single Linux container often falls short of meeting all the requirements. Complex applications, particularly those employing microservices, rely on multiple containers.
The below figure illustrates how the key components of Kubernetes architecture work together to serve as a container orchestration system that empowers engineers to manage the lifecycle of containerized applications:
Fig.2 Kubernetes Architecture
Let me break down each of the aforementioned Kubernetes architecture components for better clarity.
1. Master Components: The master component in Kubernetes is responsible for managing and controlling the cluster, ensuring that it operates as desired. These are the sections within the master component:
2. Slave Components: This, also known as worker nodes, are responsible for executing containerized applications and workloads as directed by the master component. These are the sections within the slave component:
After understanding these principles, you might be eager to dive into the world of Kubernetes. The upcoming section will serve as your guide, helping you navigate the best practices to steer clear of unnecessary pitfalls.
Keep reading!
Here are some of the best practices of Kubernetes for successful application development:
So, its ability to facilitate the creation of powerful, flexible, and secure applications positions it as an indispensable tool for software businesses seeking to harness the potential of modern technology at present and in the coming years.
With a growing ecosystem and community support, Kubernetes is set to remain at the forefront of container orchestration.
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