Kubernetes has already secured special recognition as a reliable container-orchestration system in the world of cloud computing. Being an open-source platform, Kubernetes is accessible by all Linux users. If you’re a new Linux user and the functions of Linux containers seem complicated to you, using Kubernetes will be a convenient option for you. Alongside expert professionals, the friendly interface and automation features of Kubernetes come in handy to help beginner Linux users.
When it comes to utilizing the beneficial features of Kubernetes, Kubernetes pods come automatically. As a beginner, you may not have entered deep into the functions of Kubernetes pods and you may be wondering why you need them. In this article, we will elaborate on everything about Kubernetes pods to help you out.
What are Kubernetes pods?
This is the first question to appear in a Linux beginner’s mind when he starts using Linux containers for the first time. Especially, if you’ve shifted to Linux from Windows or Mac, the concept of Kubernetes pods may go over your head initially. But you’re supposed to gather adequate information about Kubernetes pods and how you can make use of them to make yourself familiar with Linux containers.
In simple words, Kubernetes pods can be defined as units that consist of Linux containers. Kubernetes pods are not as big as Kubernetes clusters, but they are integral parts of the entire Kubernetes system. A Kubernetes pod can consist of one, two, or more than two Linux containers. In fact, Linux containers are lined up in a Kubernetes pod so that the compute resources of each of the containers get merged. The combined compute resources of the Linux containers in a pod increases the overall compute intelligence of the pod.
When you look at a Kubernetes cluster, it appears huge. Kubernetes pods can be described as the smallest units of a Kubernetes cluster.
Why Do Kubernetes Pods Exist in the Kubernetes Network?
Many Kubernetes users question the relevance of Kubernetes pods as they don’t understand why Kubernetes doesn’t utilize containers directly. Well, the Linux containers in a Kubernetes pod use identical hardware resources and local networks. So, Kubernetes gets assured that the deployed containers within a Kubernetes pod are similar while running the specific pod. Also, using pods instead of separate containers helps the Kubernetes network to replicate containers comfortably. Running Linux containers separately becomes way complicated for the Kubernetes network while using pods eases up the process. That’s why Kubernetes pods have become essential units of the Kubernetes network over the years.
Benefits Offered by Kubernetes pods to Linux users
First of all, if you’re planning to use Kubernetes for productive tasks, Kubernetes pods are the best options to use. Kubernetes pods enable node-to-node communication systems to pace up your Kubernetes operations. As a result, you become able to complete your tasks before the expected times. Also, Kubernetes pods make it possible to run the entire Kubernetes server in a smoother attire and you rarely face server downtimes while using Kubernetes pods.
As mentioned before, chances of operational failures in Kubernetes become minimal when you use Kubernetes pods. These pods make the task of replication way easier for the Kubernetes servers. Naturally, a failing pod doesn’t become the reason for an operational failure in Kubernetes. The platform immediately replicates the failing pod with a new one so that the system keeps running uninterruptedly.
Kubernetes pods are highly scalable and that’s a piece of good news for you as a Kubernetes user. If you are overloaded with tasks, you can simply add nodes to your Kubernetes cluster and complete the excess tasks comfortably. That becomes possible due to the high scalability of Kubernetes pods.
As you see, Kubernetes pods are the reasons behind the supreme performance of Kubernetes clusters. So, what’s the point in refraining from creating a Kubernetes cluster with efficient pods? You must start creating and using Kubernetes pods to access their benefits.
Types of Kubernetes Pods
We have already discussed that a Kubernetes pod can be created with a single Linux container or multiple containers. Based on the number of containers present in Kubernetes pods, they can be categorized into two types.
1. One-container-per-pod
As the name suggests, this type of Kubernetes pod consists of a single Linux container. Such a pod is used in most operations in the Kubernetes network. This type of pod allows Kubernetes to control the container inside the pod without having direct access to that. To be specific, such pod functions as the cover of the container inside.
2. Multi-container pod
A multi-container pod includes multiple containers and all the containers use the same resources. Generally, a container of a multi-container pod is capable of performing one task at a time. That’s why the containers are extremely efficient in delivering flawless performances.
Though both types of containers are suitable for the Kubernetes network, one-container-per-pod ones are used more often. The majority of Kubernetes users prefer utilizing one-container-per-pod ones for completing their programming tasks.
Process of Creating a Kubernetes Pod
To enjoy the benefits of a Kubernetes pod, you need to create one. How do you do so? The process of creating a Kubernetes pod in your Kubernetes cluster is not as complicated as it seems. Even if you possess a basic knowledge of Linux, you can do it easily. Let’s learn how you can create a Kubernetes pod comfortably.
Initially, you should have your Kubernetes cluster. If you don’t have a Kubernetes cluster yet, you need to create one. After creating your cluster, you are supposed to launch the cluster to initiate the process. As you launch the Kubernetes cluster, the system will redirect you to the Kubernetes sandbox environment. When you’re in the environment, you need to check whether you’re connected to the Kubernetes network or not. The following command will help you check your cluster’s nodes in the terminal- kubectl get nodes
If the command works and you get to see the cluster’s nodes in the terminal, that means you’re all set to create a new pod.
In this tutorial, we will use the Nginx image to create a pod. To start with the process, you need to input the following command- kubectl run nginx –image=nginx –restart=Never
As you input the command in the terminal, a new pod will get generated. The following part of the command prompts Kubernetes to create a single pod instead of a Deployment-
–restart=Never
After that, you will need to hit the Enter key from your keyboard to create the pod successfully. The following command will appear on your terminal if the process has been successful- pod/nginx created
That’s all. You have successfully created a Kubernetes pod on your Kubernetes cluster. Now, start using the pod and enjoying its facilities.
Can you view the pod you created on your Kubernetes cluster?
You may want to view the pod you’ve just created on your Kubernetes cluster. That’s a safe thing to do to ensure that the pod has been created successfully. So, how do you view a pod created by you on a cluster? Here’s how:
When you want to view the status of the pod you created, enter the following command-
kubectl get pods
This command will help you check the detailed configurations of the pod you have created-
kubectl describe pod nginx
As you run the above-mentioned command in your terminal, you will see all the relevant details associated with the Kubernetes pod. From the location of the pod to its starting time and present status, everything will be visible on your screen. On top of that, you will be able to access all the details of the Ngnix ID of the container present in the pod. To explore more, you’re supposed to scroll down the terminal. At the bottom of the terminal, you can find out the activity log of the pod. So, all the events that occurred in a Kubernetes pod will be traceable by this method.
Conclusion
Kubernetes pods are significant options for every Linux user to perform their tasks conveniently. Using Kubernetes pods is a mandate when you’re completing a project using Kubernetes. Considering the vivid benefits of Kubernetes pods, these units are highly recommendable for your Kubernetes tasks. You can eliminate the chances of runtime errors and project failures as you start utilizing Kubernetes pods.
In this article, we have discussed everything about Kubernetes pods. Also, we have shared a step-by-step tutorial on how you can create a Kubernetes pod without facing any issues. Even if you’re a beginner, you don’t need to be skeptical about creating a pod. All you need to do is to follow the instructions given here properly. If you do so, you’ll be able to create a Kubernetes pod successfully. Also, don’t forget to check the details of a Kubernetes pod after you have created it successfully. Creating a pod successfully will help you enhance your user experience with Kubernetes. So, don’t delay and create a Kubernetes pod to benefit yourself.