Kubernetes-Handbook Project: An In-Depth Overview
Introduction to Kubernetes
Kubernetes, an open-source container orchestration engine, was released by Google in June 2014. It is based on Google's internal Borg system and initially contributed to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) as one of their core projects. Over the years, Kubernetes has become essential to the development of cloud-native ecosystems and acts as a cloud-native operating system. Its primary goal isn't just to orchestrate containers but to provide a standardized way to describe a cluster's architecture, define services, and ensure the system automatically reaches and maintains its desired state.
Cloud-native technologies make it easier for organizations to build and manage scalable applications in various cloud environments, including public, private, and hybrid clouds. These technologies are characterized by containers, service meshes, microservices, immutable infrastructure, and declarative APIs. They allow for the creation of loosely coupled systems that are fault-tolerant and easy to manage. Through reliable automation, these technologies enable engineers to make frequent and predictable changes to their systems.
About the Handbook
The Kubernetes Handbook started in late 2016 and became an open-source project in March 2017. It marks the first systematic introduction to Kubernetes in the Chinese language. The handbook chronicles the author's journey from learning to using Kubernetes, focusing on summarizing key experiences and sharing valuable resources. It also dissects Kubernetes' core concepts to help users avoid common pitfalls. Additionally, it covers the Kubernetes ecosystem, including microservices, DevOps, big data applications, service mesh, cloud-native applications, and Serverless technologies.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the handbook, it is recommended that readers have:
- Prior knowledge from the Cloud Native Beginner's Guide
- An understanding of Linux operating systems and common Linux commands
- Familiarity with Docker container basics
- Access to an internet-connected computer (Mac/Windows/Linux)
- Docker installed on their machine
Themes and Topics
While the handbook centers on Kubernetes, it also covers:
- Cloud-native open-source components
- Cloud-native applications and microservices architecture
- Service mesh architecture based on Kubernetes
All instructions, installations, examples, and operations in the handbook require at least Kubernetes version 1.6+.
How to Use the Handbook
Readers can access the handbook in various ways:
- Visit the GitHub repository
- Browse online at jimmysong.io
- Download a release version from GitHub releases
- Compile an offline version using the provided instructions
- Fork the project, add personal notes, and maintain it independently. Contributions are welcome.
Getting Started
For those eager to learn Kubernetes and cloud-native application architecture without setting up a cluster from scratch, the handbook suggests:
- Using a virtual machine to install a three-node Kubernetes cluster, with optional components like Heapster, EFK, and Istio
- The Cloud Native Sandbox for a lightweight setup that runs a single-node Kubernetes and Istio on a personal computer using Docker
Contributions and Acknowledgments
Each commit to the project undergoes automated checks for link and markdown style issues, and it is compiled into a GitBook viewable via GitHub Pages. Given the book's long writing span, some information may be outdated. Contributions and corrections are greatly appreciated.
- View the list of contributors
- Learn how to contribute
- Check the document organization and usage methods
For inquiries or issues, readers can submit an Issue or contact the author.
License
The content is shared under the Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license.
Cloud Native Community
The Cloud Native Community, the largest independent third-party cloud-native user and developer community in China, was established in May 2020 by CNCF ambassadors and open-source opinion leaders. The community offers professional cloud-native information and promotes industry development.
For more information, visit the official website or follow the community on WeChat and request to join.