Docker and Kubernetes are both containerization tools. They are often mentioned together and compared. But is it worth it? In this article, we'll look at both concepts and talk about whether you really need to choose one or the other.
What is Docker?
Docker provides a wide range of tools for containerization. While there are other types of containerization software, Docker has become the standard for this purpose. It is easy to learn and easy to use. The standard package includes the Docker Engine with a runtime environment. This makes it possible to build and run containerized applications in any environment. Docker is the perfect solution to the application development challenges of combining different programming languages, platforms and interfaces.
When an application gets too big, Docker's capabilities are no longer enough because you need to solve the problems of interaction and consistency of multiple containers. This is where Kubernetes comes in.
What is Kubernetes?
Kubernetes is a portable, extensible, open source container management platform. It was built from the experience of managing remote projects with large workloads. It therefore uses advanced technologies that have replaced the principles of physical and even virtual deployment of systems. The containerized construction is considered a 'lightweight' version of virtual machines.
There are several reasons why Kubernetes-as-a-service is a popular. Firstly, deployed applications are separated from the infrastructure, which provides an enhanced level of security. Secondly, development and testing can be conducted in the same way on the local computer and in the cloud.
In contrast to a single, dedicated machine, applications are now constructed from separate, independent microservices, which can be deployed and managed. This approach allows for more intelligent use of resources. Applications monitor not only operating system metrics, but also other software and hardware.
Containers simplify block-based product development and subsequent assembly prior to deployment. This approach makes it possible to modify individual modules without affecting the work of other functions, and all this happens on the Kubernetes framework platform. It handles application bugs, scaling, deployment templates, and so on.
Docker vs. Kubernetes
Comparing Docker and Kubernetes isn't entirely appropriate, as they fulfill different roles and complement each other rather than compete. Docker acts as a platform for creating and managing containers, while Kubernetes functions as a sophisticated tool for orchestrating and managing these containers on platforms such as Docker. They are frequently used together to achieve seamless application deployment and scaling. For instance, Docker encapsulates applications within containers, whereas Kubernetes orchestrates their deployment and scaling.
One major distinction is that Docker is typically designed to operate on a single node, while Kubernetes is engineered to function across a cluster of nodes. Furthermore, while Docker can function independently, Kubernetes requires a container runtime environment, such as Docker, to manage its orchestration tasks.
Consider a scenario involving a microservices architecture: you might use Docker to assign each microservice to its own container. Kubernetes becomes particularly beneficial in situations involving large development teams or complex production environments. However, for smaller teams or projects—say, three or four developers—the complexity and overhead of Kubernetes may outweigh its advantages.
Conclusion
Docker and Kubernetes are highly versatile tools that can be used to solve a wide range of tasks. As an illustration, they are an indispensable component of serverless computing, multi-cloud deployments, microservice administration and machine learning.
The combination of Docker and Kubernetes represents the optimal solution for creating an adaptable and efficient software development environment. Docker guarantees the performance and system independence of your applications, while Kubernetes ensures maximum uptime, proper load balancing, and the ability to scale the cluster.
Cloud4U offers a reliable, scalable cloud infrastructure compatible with Kubernetes. The Container Service Extension (CSE) tool is used to deploy and manage Kubernetes clusters. You don't need in-depth knowledge of VMware Cloud Director and can easily manage the application lifecycle from deployment to shutdown.