Docker and Kubernetes are two groundbreaking technologies that play a crucial role in deploying and managing software in cloud environments. Both are among the most standard containerization platforms today, helping to create stable and consistent application runtime environments. However, they have completely different features and functions. So which of the two platforms — Docker or Kubernetes — is the best choice for your business? In this article, with BKPlus Software, we look at the differences between Docker and Kubernetes to find the most suitable solution for your company.
What is Docker?
Docker is an open-source platform for containerization. Essentially, it is a toolkit that enables developers to create, deploy, and manage containers in a simple, secure and efficient way.
Although Docker started as an open-source project, today it also refers to Docker, Inc. the company that makes commercial Docker products. Currently, Docker is the most popular tool for creating containers, regardless of whether developers use Windows, Linux or macOS.
In reality, containerization technologies existed decades before the release of Docker in 2013. In the beginning, Linux containers (LXC) were the most widespread. Docker was initially built on LXC, but quickly surpassed it with its customized technologies and became the leading container platform.
One of the most important features of Docker is its portability. Docker containers can be run in any computing environment, whether it is a data center, a PC or a cloud environment. As each container runs a single process, applications can continue to run even if parts of them are updated or repaired.
Commonly used tools and terms associated with Docker include
- Docker Engine: The runtime environment that allows developers to create and run containers.
- Dockerfile: A simple text file that defines everything needed to create a Docker container image, such as operating system specifications, network configurations, and file locations.
- Docker Compose: A tool for defining and launching multi-container applications. It uses a YAML file to specify the services contained in the application and can deploy and start them with a single command via the Docker CLI.
What is Kubernetes?
Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform designed for scheduling and automating the deployment, management, and scaling of containerized applications. Containers operate within a multi-container architecture known as a cluster. A Kubernetes cluster consists of containers, with a designated control plane that schedules workloads for the remaining containers (known as worker nodes) within the cluster.
The master node determines where to host the application (or Docker containers), how to combine them, and how to manage their coordination. By grouping the containers that form an application into clusters, Kubernetes simplifies service discovery and enables the management of large volumes of containers throughout their lifecycle.
Google introduced Kubernetes as an open-source project in 2014. Today, it is managed by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), an open-source software organization. Designed for production-grade container orchestration, Kubernetes is popular due to its robust functionality, an active open-source community with thousands of contributors, and its portability across public cloud providers (e.g., IBM Cloud, Google Cloud, Azure, and AWS).
Comparing Docker and Kubernetes
| Docker | Kubernetes | |
| Functionality | – Open-source platform for creating and deploying containers, ensuring applications within containers run stably and consistently across different computing environments.- Multiple containers run on the same hardware, providing very high productivity. | – Open-source platform for managing, maintaining, and orchestrating containers at scale.- Works in combination with Docker to better control and deploy containerized applications. |
| Applications | Packaging applications into Docker images (templates containing application code, libraries, and dependencies needed to run the application/software). | Orchestrating multiple containers across multiple servers. |
| Scalability | Does not support automatic scaling. | Supports automatic scaling of containers within a cluster, service discovery, and load balancing. |
| Complexity | Easy to set up and use. | More complex setup and configuration. |
| Compatibility | Allows switching between different container runtimes without changing Docker daemon configurations. | Supports multiple container runtimes, offering greater flexibility and compatibility with various container technologies. |
When Are Kubernetes and Docker Used?
Both Kubernetes and Docker are container technologies. Modern applications consist of microservices — independent components that execute individual application processes as services. Each service performs a unique function and communicates with other services via a clearly defined interface known as an API. Containerization provides software tools that can be used to package microservices as deployable programs for different platforms.
Creating Containers
Docker is an open-source container runtime technology that has gained popularity in recent years. It provides tools to create containers easily and efficiently. Developers use commands to create container images that contain system libraries, tools, code, and other configurations required for each microservice. Each microservice has its own Docker image. These Docker images can be used to run microservices in any environment.
Managing Containers
Most applications consist of multiple microservices. Some applications can be scaled to thousands of microservices running on different servers. Managing applications with multiple containers brings new challenges:
- How to coordinate multiple containers?
- How do you plan containers?
- How can containers be grouped and cataloged?
Developers are tackling these challenges with the help of container orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes. Kubernetes is an open-source technology that supports the management of containers at scale. It handles the complexity of operations and enables scaling workloads and managing container deployments across multiple servers.
Conclusion
Docker and Kubernetes are essential containerization platforms that help businesses easily develop and manage applications across various environments. Understanding the differences between Docker and Kubernetes enables businesses to choose the optimal platform that aligns with their needs, scale, and objectives.
Our expert Docker and Kubernetes solutions are designed to optimize your workflows, enhance scalability, and drive business growth. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to elevate your infrastructure, we have the expertise to support your success.
Contact BKPlus Software now for a free consultation and start leveraging Docker and Kubernetes to accelerate your business performance!
