Moving cloud operations to a Kubernetes operator, with Steven Sklar
Mar 5, 2024
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Steven Sklar, a senior Cloud engineer at QuestDB, dives into the nitty-gritty of managing databases on Kubernetes. He advocates for running stateful workloads, sharing his expertise on building custom operators using Kubebuilder and the Operator Framework. Sklar discusses his unique transition from finance to cloud-native tech and emphasizes the balance between using managed services and self-management. He also reflects on the significance of practical experience for those entering the tech field and the role of documentation in successful operator deployment.
Running databases on Kubernetes is feasible, but it requires careful management strategies using custom operators and resource definitions.
Establishing clear documentation and understanding Kubernetes internals are crucial for successfully developing and maintaining database operators.
Deep dives
Challenges of Running Stateful Workloads on Kubernetes
Running stateful workloads, like databases, on Kubernetes presents several challenges that organizations need to navigate. One crucial aspect is the decision-making around utilizing operators, which can either be built in-house or purchased, to manage these workloads. For instance, engineers must determine the necessary tools and resources to seamlessly integrate them without compromising system performance. Understanding the distinctions between operators and controllers is essential, as this impacts the management and orchestration of databases within a Kubernetes environment.
The Transition to an Operator Model
The discussion on transitioning from a provisioner to an operator model highlights the operational complexities involved in managing databases effectively. In this case, a custom resource definition (CRD) was created to encapsulate all necessary components—like storage volumes and networking—for the database. A controller listens for changes to the custom resource and executes necessary actions to align the actual state with the desired state. This abstraction simplifies the management process, especially when dealing with multiple databases, leading to a more efficient deployment and maintenance pipeline.
Best Practices and Lessons Learned
The experience of creating an operator revealed several best practices for those attempting a similar path. Simplifying the controller logic is paramount to avoid unnecessary complexity that can arise from managing diverse states and conditions. Additionally, utilizing multiple CRDs can help distribute responsibility and clarify the management of individual components within the database architecture. Ultimately, thorough documentation and a deeper understanding of Kubernetes internals are recommended before diving into development, as these can significantly reduce the potential for time-consuming refactors.