Even though Docker has become one of the most popular container formats, there is also another popular alternative known as Helm Kubernetes with serving as the package container for the Kubernetes container system.
Originally designed by Google, Kubernetes is now maintained by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, which has seen its automated deployment platform flourish in recent years. Even though some coders from Google still work on the project, making it fully open source has invited developers Red Hat and other major groups to arrive and lend a hand.
Kubernetes stands out because it is not simply about containerization, and now more mimics an actual operating system able to operate seamlessly in both public and private clouds. Information technology (IT) teams or the Kubernetes administrator is able to use a self-service model to handle traditional storage and network procedures – a role that typically requires multiple admins in a traditional IT setup.
Unlike Docker, which runs on a single node, Kubernetes runs across the entire cluster. It’s true that Kubernetes can be used with Docker, though Kubernetes can run with any container runtime. Specifically, the Kubernetes API lets DevOps engineers control how – and where – a container runs. As a matter of fact, Kubernetes can be automated so existing containers can be removed, but the resources are adopted by a new container – making it even easier for IT teams to quickly maximize available resources.
The cluster of virtual machines can be operated on necessary resource requirements of individual containers – and the available computer resources to help processes run efficiently.
Developer productivity improves, operational readiness increases, and deployment complexity is reduced by companies embracing Helm Kubernetes in the workplace. At a time when cloud-native apps are becoming more common place – and the open-source community supporting them only grows in maturity and ability – an organization’s internal repository can be greatly accelerated when embracing new technological changes.
IT operators have better control of the Kubernetes cluster with the help of Helm, serving as an ideal package manager. Helm can be easily installed using a one-click configuration, or it can be customized based on an organization’s needs.
Why Containerization Matters in Development Today
Unlike virtual machines, containers are more easily able to share a host operating system among individual containers, making them significantly more lightweight. This addition makes containers more agile with better support for cloud and OS distribution portability than their VM counterparts. Implementing containerization helps break down DevOps barriers so teams are able to properly accelerate frequency and accuracy of deployment times.
Portability also greatly increases when using containerization, as it’s easier for DevOps engineers to work between different platforms and clouds – ensuring an application works the way it was designed across different platforms.
When compared to VMs, containers are easier and more efficient to deploy, with reliable continuous development build and deployment. There are pros and cons to both VMs and containers, so it’s up to DevOps teams and decision makers to work together to gauge what they feel is required to streamline what they’re able to do to help get the job done.
There Are Some Cybersecurity Headaches Present
A newly discovered custom piece of malware specifically focuses Kubernetes clusters, compromising the containers for mining cryptocurrency. Originally discovered by Palo Alto Networks, the “Hildegard” targets the Kubernetes node, spreads to other containers, then launches a mining software. It’s still extremely difficult to detect since its coded to look similar to a Linux process name. In worst-case scenarios, the malware drains the host installs resources and drastically disrupts normal operations of the cluster system.
Overall, the isolation of containers helps keep them more secure, so a single compromised container is unable to affect the other containers operating alongside it. It’s possible to patch parts of a container individually, because of the way they are packed inside the containers.
Final Thoughts
Attempting to successfully deploy containers for developers can be a difficult decision – but decision makers must trust their IT managers to determine what is best for their specific work environment. Containers have successfully demonstrated their value and won’t be going anywhere soon in the DevOps space. Ultimately, containers will continue to serve as an important part for developers trying to work inside a next-generation infrastructure, so companies should think carefully about whether they want to deploy virtualization or containerization in their work environments.
Creating and deploying applications is absolutely important, with very little time to waste as development lifecycles only rapidly increase at a dizzying speed.