What is Kubernetes?

Did you know that six million developers across the world now use Kubernetes? This program is growing quickly in popularity, but many people still don’t understand how or why it is used.

To put it simply, Kubernetes is an open-source platform that can be used to manage containers on a server cluster in the cloud. It allows you to run an application on the cloud with a customized container system.

Kubernetes can be used for many different purposes, including:

• Data processing
• Service management
• Providing microservices

The versatility of the program means it can be turned for many different uses. A wide range of configurations and settings means you can turn the program to any task involving containers.

Keep reading to find out more about the details of Kubernetes and learn how you can use it to your advantage for container management in the cloud.

What does Kubernetes mean?

The word Kubernetes is taken from an Ancient Greek word. It means something like “pilot” or “helmsman”. The word was chosen to represent the way this software allows better opportunities for control, much like the captain of a ship.

Looking deeper, the software is an open-source platform used to manage container operations. In this context, containers are pieces of software architecture that hold key data, such as specific configurations for app deployment.

Kubernetes has the ability to check the capacity of various smaller applications within your system architecture. Kubernetes keeps everything running consistently and allows you to keep track of a variety of systems without becoming overwhelmed with micromanagement.

Managing systems in this way allows you to increase efficiency and identify problems early on. Kubernetes can automatically divert operating capacity and data to where it’s needed most within your containers.

Words you need to know to get started with Kubernetes

To fully understand Kubernetes, there are a few terms you need to know. Kubernetes applications are divided into several smaller parts and each of these has its own specific terminology. By understanding these pieces of terminology specific to Kubernetes, you’ll gain a better command of Kubernetes overall.

What is a Kubernetes Secret?

A Kubernetes Secret is an object that functions as a security feature. It provides access to resources within the same server cluster, allowing different people to gain remote access to information. It could contain sensitive information like a key or a password.

Secrets have a number of advantages over other traditional forms of data storage. They can be created independently from pods, meaning the risk of sensitive data being exposed is minimized.

Although Secrets can protect sensitive information, they also offer a greater degree of flexibility by allowing this data to be accessed by developers in different locations. As the data is separate from other pods, this presents a reduced number of attack vectors.

What is a Kubernetes pod?

Pods are another key part of Kubernetes infrastructure, forming a portion of a node inside a container. Multiple pods may appear in each node. These are the smallest parts of each Kubernetes system.

Pods contain various types of data on the Kubernetes system.

What is a Kubernetes cluster?

A cluster is a grouping of nodes. They run different applications within your container. Kubernetes helps you to run all of these different Kubernetes clusters by centralizing information.

What is a Kubernetes node?

A node in Kubernetes is a type of machine that works to carry out various tasks. They contain various elements required for elements of the system to work. Nodes and pods work together to form a key part of the Kubernetes architecture.

Nodes may be physical or virtual machines depending on your preferences.

What is a Kubernetes service?

A service represents a set of pods in a cluster. As pods expire, the service helps to provide new pods with important information like IP addresses.

Kubernetes offers four different types of services. These are:

• ClusterIP, the default service offered by Kubernetes, allows pods to communicate inside a cluster
• LoadBalancer splits the workload between multiple nodes to prevent them from being overloaded and provide better performance
• Ingress, acts as a router to expose other services
• NodePort, a simple networking type requiring no configuration, allowing pods to communicate with one another

What is kubectl?

Kubectl is a tool used to communicate with a control plane on a Kubernetes cluster. This is known as a command line interface (CLI). To put it as simply as possible, kubectl allows you to run operations throughout your data clusters and maximize the potential of containers.

What is Minikube?

Minikube is another program used to get started with Kubernetes. It creates a very simple Kubernetes engine on your computer. This program is commonly used by developers to learn and experiment with Kubernetes before working with the main program in a production environment.

What is a Kubernetes Master?

The Master, sometimes called the master node, appears in each cluster. It helps to make changes within a container. It is responsible for providing essential services including:

• API server, an entry point for Kubernetes clients to communicate with the cluster
• Controller manager which tracks whether nodes in a cluster need to be repaired or restarted
• Scheduler, which places pods on the worker nodes based on their available resources and how busy the cluster is

It also provides miscellaneous services, such as storing the configuration and information of a cluster.

What Kubernetes does and why do people use it

What are the benefits of Kubernetes?

Kubernetes simplifies the management of data clusters. That means it’s ideal for those managing large software deployments. This could help managers at a tech company or app developers get so much more from their product and help them to get better oversight on what’s happening.

Imagine if you were running a large business franchise like a restaurant chain. You have hundreds of locations spread across a wide geographical area. You would need to think about how each of these locations manages resources, ingredients, staffing levels, and more. Sometimes, you may need to move key resources from location to location. Instead of trying to do everything yourself, you might need to look at the bigger picture,

This is how Kubernetes works on a digital level! It allows you greater control of your assets in a centralized location. It also lets you give orders so that you can ensure your data clusters function in the way you desire.

Kubernetes has so many customizable features, so you can configure things exactly as you want them. The flexibility of Kubernetes is the main reason it is used for so many different purposes. From app development to large-scale system management, Kubernetes really can do it all.

A final benefit: Kubernetes is completely free to access. For individuals or businesses dealing with a tight budget, this can be an invaluable boost. Used right, it can even save you money in the long term by increasing running times and reducing server costs.

What are Kubernetes Containers?

Containers are the basic unit of data storage used in Kubernetes. They form a key part of the system architecture with each one containing pods, clusters, and nodes. These containers allow developers working on an app together to access key information when required.

What is Kubernetes Volume?

In the context of Kubernetes, volume is a directory of data. Housed within a pod, it can be accessed by any other pods within the Kubernetes deployment.

Persistent volumes are another important part of Kubernetes. It allows data to be stored outside of the lifespan of a pod, allowing new pods in the deployment to access them.

Kubernetes vs Docker

Using Kubernetes with Docker can improve your capabilities. Docker allows users to develop applications and set them up within the Kubernetes infrastructure.

Docker containers can run through Kubernetes, allowing you to simplify the process of running different servers. Docker can work on a single node.

What do we need to get started with Kubernetes?

Getting started with Kubernetes might be easier than you think. To begin with, you’ll need to download the program, which is available for free from GitHub. If you need to hone your skills before deploying the program, you can find many tools and tutorials online. YouTube and Reddit are both excellent sources of information from the Kubernetes community, with the latter featuring its own server, r/kubernetes.

Next, you can create a container for your cluster and set your parameters. The next steps will depend on your specific circumstances and requirements for your deployment. Kubernetes can be deployed in many different ways, so the intricacies of setting up the system will vary from person to person.

It might take a little time to get the hang of the intricacies of Kubernetes for your application. You will likely find your efficiency increasing quickly as you gain more experience using the various Kubernetes features.

Why use Kubernetes?

Using a Kubernetes deployment can make life easier for you. Managing data clusters is a complicated process with many moving parts. Using a program like Kubernetes offers you a central way to manage your various data centers.

Get started with Kubernetes

Once you get started, you’ll soon find that using the program makes life so much easier. You may even wonder why you didn’t start using Kubernetes much earlier. Give it a try and see how much it improves efficiency and allows you to manage your data.

If you’re looking for a hand with harnessing Kubernetes, MoonQube can help. We offer managed Kubernetes services, including full API integration, automatic failover, and more. Check out our Kubernetes plans today for more details.