Kubernetes Tools: A Comprehensive Guide to Managed Services and Community-Driven Projects
Introduction
Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration system for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. Kubernetes provides a platform-agnostic solution for deploying and managing cloud-native applications, making it easier to manage applications at scale and in production.
To make working with Kubernetes easier, many providers offer managed Kubernetes services. In this blog, we'll take a look at Kubernetes options provided by AWS, GCP, and Azure, as well as some community-driven projects and tools to help you practice working with Kubernetes.
AWS EKS (Elastic Kubernetes Service)
AWS EKS is a managed Kubernetes service that enables you to run Kubernetes on AWS without the need to manage infrastructure. EKS provides you with features like automatic scaling, load balancing, and continuous deployment. With EKS, you can focus on building and deploying your applications while AWS takes care of the underlying infrastructure and management of Kubernetes.
To get started with EKS, you'll first need to create a Kubernetes cluster in the AWS Management Console. Once you create a cluster, AWS will set up the necessary control plane and worker nodes and will manage the cluster for you. You can then use tools like kubectl to manage your applications in the cluster.
GCP GKE (Google Kubernetes Engine)
GCP GKE is a managed Kubernetes service that enables you to run Kubernetes on GCP without the need to manage infrastructure. GKE provides you with features like automatic scaling, load balancing, and continuous deployment. With GKE, you can focus on building and deploying your applications while GCP takes care of the underlying infrastructure and management of Kubernetes.
To get started with GKE, you'll first need to create a Kubernetes cluster in the GCP Console. Once you create a cluster, GCP will set up the necessary control plane and worker nodes and will manage the cluster for you. You can then use tools like kubectl to manage your applications in the cluster.
https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
AKS is a managed Kubernetes service that enables you to run Kubernetes on Azure without the need to manage infrastructure. AKS provides you with features like automatic scaling, load balancing, and continuous deployment. With AKS, you can focus on building and deploying your applications while Azure takes care of the underlying infrastructure and management of Kubernetes.
To get started with AKS, you'll first need to create a Kubernetes cluster in the Azure Portal. Once you create a cluster, Azure will set up the necessary control plane and worker nodes and will manage the cluster for you. You can then use tools like kubectl to manage your applications in the cluster.
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-in/products/kubernetes-service
Minikube
Minikube is an open-source tool that enables you to run Kubernetes locally on your computer. It is an excellent tool for learning Kubernetes as beginners can use it to understand the basic concepts of Kubernetes using a single-node cluster on their local machine.
To get started with Minikube, you'll first need to install it on your local machine. Once installed, you can use Minikube to start a Kubernetes cluster on your machine and use kubectl to manage the cluster.
https://minikube.sigs.k8s.io/docs/start/
Play with Kubernetes
Play with Kubernetes is a web-based tool that enables users to launch and manage Kubernetes clusters in a web-based interface. It is designed to be user-friendly and provides users with an excellent learning experience.
To get started with Play with Kubernetes, you can visit the website and create an account. Once you log in, you can create a Kubernetes cluster and manage it through the web-based interface.
https://training.play-with-kubernetes.com/
KubeSail
KubeSail is a beginner-friendly Kubernetes service provider that enables users to launch, manage and operate Kubernetes clusters in the cloud. KubeSail has a simple interface, making it easy for beginners to learn Kubernetes.
To get started with KubeSail, you can sign up for an account on the website. Once you sign up, you can create a Kubernetes cluster and use the KubeSail dashboard to manage and operate the cluster.
https://www.upnxtblog.com/index.php/2019/05/13/kubesail-get-your-free-kubernetes-cluster/
https://kubesail.com/blog/storage-on-kubernetes
Kind
Kind is another open-source tool that enables users to run Kubernetes clusters locally on their machines. It is designed to be easy to use and is an excellent option for beginners who want to learn and explore Kubernetes.
To get started with Kind, you'll first need to install it on your local machine. Once installed, you can use Kind to start and manage Kubernetes clusters on your machine.
Imp Links
https://kubernetes.io/docs/tutorials/hello-minikube/
https://sysdig.com/learn-cloud-native/kubernetes-101/what-is-minikube/
Conclusion
Kubernetes provides a powerful platform for deploying and managing cloud-native applications at scale. With the help of managed Kubernetes services provided by AWS, GCP, and Azure, users can leverage the power of Kubernetes without the need to manage infrastructure. For beginners, community-driven projects and tools like Minikube, Katacoda, Play with Kubernetes, KubeSail, and Kind provide an excellent learning experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced Kubernetes user, there are many tools and resources available to help you get the most out of Kubernetes and cloud-native applications.