DevOps Paradox

DOP 229: The Evolution of Installing Applications into Kubernetes

Sep 20, 2023

The podcast discusses the evolution of installing applications into Kubernetes, highlighting the challenges faced and tools introduced. It explores the use of YAML files, the emergence of tools like YQ and templating languages, and the importance of value substitution, conditionals, and loops. The chapter also discusses the benefits and challenges of using Helm for application installation and whether Helm charts are necessary for first-party applications.

46:39

Creator website

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

No matter what tool or language you use, the end result of installing applications into Kubernetes is always in the form of big, ugly YAML files.

The choice of tool or language for writing Kubernetes manifests depends on the application's complexity and the team's familiarity, but the output should always be a declarative format that can be easily understood by other team members.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Installing Applications into Kubernetes

The podcast episode discusses the evolution of installing applications into Kubernetes over the years. It explores how the process has changed and the various tools and languages that have been used. The main focus is on the different approaches to writing and managing YAML files, including Helm templates, customization with overlays, and other languages like JSONnet and Q. The episode emphasizes the importance of choosing the best format for writing and managing Kubernetes manifests based on the complexity of the application and the team's familiarity with the language. Overall, the key takeaway is that regardless of the chosen format or language, the end result is always YAML, which remains the de facto standard for defining Kubernetes resources.

Introduction

2min

Evolution of Installing Applications into Kubernetes

15min

The Process of Installing Applications into Kubernetes and a Sponsored Segment

3min

Exploring Helm, Customize, and YAML as a Data Structure

3min

Differences in data languages, spacing, and risks and benefits of third-party tools

2min

Evolution of Installing Applications into Kubernetes

19min

The Importance of Declarative Format and the Dominance of YAML in Kubernetes

3min

#229: When Kubernetes was first released in September 2014, the only way we could get applications installed to the cluster was by using kubectl apply and big, ugly YAML files. Since that time, many tools have been introduced to help manage application installation into Kubernetes clusters.

However, no matter what tool you are using in 2023, under the hood, we’re still just submitting those big, ugly YAML files to the Kubernetes. Once you realize this, things become much clearer.

In this episode, we take a stroll down memory lane of how it all started and what you should consider doing today when creating (or maybe not creating) the YAML files for your application.

Today’s sponsor:

Save 25% on your first Barbaro Mojo order using the code "DevOps25”

https://barbaromojo.com/discount/DevOps25

YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/devopsparadox/

Books and Courses:

Catalog, Patterns, And Blueprints

https://www.devopstoolkitseries.com/posts/catalog/

Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://www.devopsparadox.com/review-podcast/

Slack:

https://www.devopsparadox.com/slack/