Kubernetes explained
Kubernetes (often abbreviated as K8s — because there are 8 letters between the K and S) is a powerful open-source container orchestration platform designed to automate containerised applications' deployment, scaling, and management. Google originally developed it, and it is now maintained by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF).
It primarily works with containers, such as those created with Docker. Containers allow you to package an application and its dependencies into a single, lightweight unit, ensuring consistency across different environments.
Kubernetes helps manage a cluster of machines (nodes) where containers are deployed. These nodes can be physical machines or virtual machines in a cloud environment. Kubernetes abstracts the underlying infrastructure and provides a unified API to interact with the entire cluster.
It simplifies the deployment process by allowing you to define the desired state of your application in configuration files (YAML). It automatically handles the deployment and scaling of applications based on the specified configurations, ensuring the desired state is maintained.
It includes built-in features for service discovery and load balancing. Services can be exposed within the cluster, and Kubernetes automatically manages load balancing and DNS resolution for these services.
Kubernetes supports rolling updates, allowing you to update your application without downtime by gradually replacing old instances with new ones. In case of issues, you can easily roll back to a previous version.
It uses declarative configuration files to describe the desired state of your applications and infrastructure. This approach makes it easier to understand and manage the entire system.
It enables efficient resource utilization by allowing you to specify resource requirements and limits for each container. It can automatically scale your application based on demand, adjusting the number of replicas to meet resource constraints.
It continuously monitors the state of your applications. If a container or node fails, Kubernetes automatically reschedules or replaces the failed component to maintain the desired state.
It has a rich ecosystem and is highly extensible. You can extend its functionality using custom resources, operators, and third-party extensions.
In summary, Kubernetes provides a robust and scalable platform for deploying and managing containerized applications, offering automation, flexibility, and efficiency in the deployment and operation of modern applications in a distributed environment.
Resources:
https://kubernetes.io/
https://cloud.google.com/learn/what-is-kubernetes
