For businesses seeking to offer services and applications on a large scale, Kubernetes is the go-to container orchestration technology. Additionally, the platform enables the mechanisation of the full DevOps software development cycle. As demand increases, several corporate organisations have reportedly adopted Kubernetes as a substantial option.
Although Developers may not immediately grasp the magnitude of deploying Kubernetes, the tasks involved beyond initiating the process may be overwhelming. While establishing a Kubernetes cluster isn’t overly complicated, without the right training, your engineers may face difficulties reaping maximum benefits from the technology in a timely manner.
To work efficiently with Kubernetes, it is crucial for programmers to undergo appropriate preparation. To equip your engineers with the necessary expertise that ensures effective container deployments, let us examine some of the required skills.
Do Not Depend on Documentation Alone
Engineers must keep in mind that the documentation for Kubernetes can be difficult to follow, given its rapid evolution. Being one of the fastest-evolving projects available today, Kubernetes’ complexity does not stem from the team’s inadequate documentation skills, but rather the technology’s ongoing and speedy development pace.
The organisation’s remarkable agility is a result of widespread implementation of the continually evolving Kubernetes technology. However, some official Kubernetes documentation may not accurately depict recent updates and might contain obsolete or misleading information. To ensure seamless operations, your development team must carry out prior research to ensure they are up-to-date with the recent developments.
Patience
Our engineers must exercise a high degree of patience, especially when dealing with limited documentation. It takes a significant amount of time to acquire proficiency with Kubernetes, and even longer to configure and optimise container installations.
Providing developers with sufficient preparation time before they undertake their first Kubernetes deployment is crucial. Neglecting to do so is likely to result in an unfavourable outcome.
Virtualization
Developers must have experience in virtualisation as a key domain. This includes an in-depth knowledge of not only booting a guest operating system in VirtualBox or VMware, but also all the underpinning hardware and software components. The team’s engineers should be experts in all aspects of virtualisation.
Containers
Before implementing a container orchestrator, it is strongly advised that developers acquire expertise in storage containers. It is surprising that many overlook this crucial step.
To effectively utilise Kubernetes for deploying containerised applications and services, it is recommended that engineers dedicate ample time to learning Docker or Podman. Before advancing to Kubernetes, proficiency in these two platforms is essential.
YAML
Before working on Docker or Podman, it is crucial for your engineers to have a solid grasp of the YAML syntax used by both platforms. YAML file formatting, particularly incorrect tabbing and spacing, is a well-known source of issues for developers. Even a single missing line in the YAML file can disrupt container deployment.
Docker Files and other manifests have a specific structure (all of which are written in YAML format) that goes beyond mere indentation. Your developers will need to comprehend this structure. Knowledge of YAML is critical to ensure your engineers can quickly learn and adapt to these specifications. Most programmers should find understanding YAML rather uncomplicated.
DevOps
Kubernetes is engineered to simplify the integration of development and operations throughout the software development lifecycle, with the ability to reduce cycle times. Implementing DevOps approaches can lead to increased agility, cost savings and more faith in the quality of your software and services.
DevOps implementation necessitates collaboration among various departments. To attain the aim of automating the deployment and maintenance of applications and services using Kubernetes, everyone must work together.
Cloud Computing Services Such As Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure
Although Kubernetes can be deployed on-premises with a small server cluster, transitioning to a cloud service provider like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Microsoft Azure might be advantageous as the demand grows. Public cloud services of this magnitude can typically scale much higher than a conventional data centre.
Your team’s engineers must be proficient in the pertinent services. They should be able to log in and utilise dashboards, deploy virtual machines, and remotely access them.
Linux
A thorough understanding of Linux is indispensable for your engineers as it is the most frequently used operating system to run containerised software. Without comprehensive comprehension of this open-source OS, managing Linux can be challenging for them.
While developers may use Windows or macOS for development purposes, deploying virtual machines, rolling out containers, and administering Kubernetes clusters requires the use of Linux.
Conclusion
The above covers the essential knowledge that programmers need to start using Kubernetes. Armed with this knowledge, individuals will experience ease in gaining proficiency in this widely utilized and potent technology.
