5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Kubernetes | Drawbacks & Benefits of Kubernetes

 

Kubernetes (K8s), an open source platform being developed by Google, is used to scale, manage, and deliver containerized applications. It's a container orchestration solution, just like Rancher, Amazon ECS, and Docker Swarm.

In the interim, Kubernetes can serve as a tracking tool if your project wants to keep an eye on the hardware specifications. Kubernetes' resource management system launches on its own.

There are container clusters in every application. Through dependency management, the containers ensure that the program runs on a variety of systems. The apps cannot function without appropriate maintenance. All of these clusters are managed using Kubernetes, which functions as an automation tool. 

 

The Kubernetes engine creates an abstraction layer inside the node clusters. But the method isn't the same as a PaaS system. It is known as the Container Orchestration System for this reason. Additionally, it simplifies the distribution and bundling of apps.

Because Kubernetes can handle both private and public cloud solutions, it has been drawing a lot of developer interest lately. It actually has a significant role in cloud computing. Kubernetes technology powers most of the distributed cloud platforms available today. Similar to other technologies, Kubernetes has certain restrictions and isn't suitable for every kind of project. If you are thinking about utilizing Kubernetes, you need to list all of its main advantages and disadvantages.

I will be discussing the 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Kubernetes | Drawbacks & Benefits of Kubernetes in this essay. You'll learn about the pros and cons of Kubernetes from this post.


Now let's get started,

Advantages of Kubernetes

1. Security


The Kubernetes engine has offered native security features. so that you can guarantee that all of the traffic and data are encrypted. 

 

One more often used security measure is access control. Only authorized users are able to access resources thanks to this kind of security mechanism. 

 

Administrators are in complete control over it. Additionally, to thwart other threats, Kubernetes has a number of security features like network encryption and pod security.


2. Productivity

Platform as a Service is the foundation of Kubernetes. This model includes all apps developed with Kubernetes. 

 

This paradigm ensures that the hardware is translated into an abstraction layer. 

 

By managing the hardware nodes as a single cluster, this layer simplifies management. As a result, hardware management does not require the development team's attention.


3. Scalability

Scalability is the ultimate need for any application. Eventually, the traffic may get heavier or lighter. Your application needs to be prepared for adoption in light of this. 

 

These needs are met by Kubernetes, which scales the application up or down based on workload. Kubernetes engines scale to meet changing demands as workload varies.


4. Cloud Compatibility

The Kubernetes engine supports several of the major cloud providers. It is simple to link any Kubernetes-based application with cloud services. 

 

Among them are Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Some vendors further provide fully functional Kubernetes-as-a-service solutions. 

 

You can also experiment with other cloud service providers. You have options if a cloud provider is unable to meet your needs.


5. Community Support

Because Kubernetes is built by Google, it has a strong community behind it. Because the system is open source, a sizable community has come out in favor of it. 

 

These community members ensure that the platform is updated frequently to meet users' expectations. 

 

In addition, businesses like cloud service providers and industry leaders in the IT sector are keen to promote this platform.

Disadvantages of Kubernetes

1. Cost

Applications built with Kubernetes may occasionally cost more than anticipated. Other technologies are less expensive than Kubernetes. 

 

It covers both direct and indirect expenses. For instance, if you intend to move legacy apps, you might need to engage specialists.


The infrastructure cost is significant, even for small-scale applications. There are alternatives like single virtual machines (VMs) for this issue of constrained infrastructure. 

 

Kubernetes requires specific settings. As a result, Kubernetes configuration implementation is expensive. Because of this, Kubernetes is more expensive than other options.



2. Learning Curve

Due to its high learning curve, newbies most commonly find it difficult to get started with Kubernetes. 

 

Comprehending complex ideas takes a lot of time and can be rather stressful. There are topics that even seasoned developers find challenging to comprehend.


The enormous variety of subjects and content offered by Kubernetes is one explanation for this. 

 

Therefore, having a specialist in this area is strongly advised for projects employing Kubernetes. Otherwise, finishing projects might be a nightmare.


3. Complexity

In general, Kubernetes is intricate by design. Not everyone is at ease using Kubernetes to develop applications. For managing containerized applications, Kubernetes is advised. 

 

Use of Kubernetes is totally superfluous if you are working on simpler, smaller projects. 

 

This is one of the main reasons that many fledgling businesses choose not to use Kubernetes.


4. Advance Planning

A lot of planning must go into Kubernetes before it is developed. Since the applications based on Kubernetes are containerized, careful planning is required at this stage. 

 

You can't expect Kubernetes to reach its full potential otherwise.


5. Migrating Application

Kubernetes application migration is a laborious procedure, much like previous software moves. 

 

While Kubernetes facilitates the migration of containerized apps, non-containerized applications are more difficult to transfer. 

 

The process of switching from a non-containerized application is delicate. 

 

A small error might ruin the entire application. In some situations, you might have to start the application over from scratch.