Kubernetes has evolved to be the base tooling for containerised applications, with companies adopting microservices and cloud-native architectures catapulting a need for expertise in this subject. Without knowledge of Kubernetes, a DevOps engineer cannot scale, manage, or deploy an application in more complex environments. This blog will delve into why Kubernetes is so important to modern DevOps and then describe how boot camps may offer a fast, hands-on route to learning about this powerful tool.
The Rise of Containers and the Need for Orchestration
Containers have revolutionised the way applications are built and deployed. The old model of deployment is one where all dependencies of the application are contained, making it relatively easy to move applications around different environments. As organisations adopt containers at scale, managing those environments becomes problematic. Kubernetes is the next critical solution for container orchestration, which provides capabilities for DevOps teams to automate the deployment, scaling and running of containerised applications.
Key Benefits of Kubernetes for DevOps Engineers
Efficient Scaling and Deployment: Due to the automation of much infrastructure management by DevOps teams, the application is able to scale and deploy efficiently in Kubernetes. If an application is required to handle sudden spikes in traffic or if it is a low period, Kubernetes readjusts the resources dynamically so that applications are running efficiently at all times.
Simplified Application Management: DevOps engineers using Kubernetes can efficiently manage a complex application that involves many containers spread across a different number of environments. It adopts a declarative model; here, an engineer just describes the wanted state of an application and the cluster maintains that. Therefore, manual intervention can be avoided at large and other critical engineering activities can be carried forward.
Reliability and Resilience Increased: High availability and fault tolerance are natively provided by Kubernetes. If the container goes down, Kubernetes automatically recovers it. When a node fails, Kubernetes ensures the smallest amount of interruption possible by automatically moving all of the containers to other nodes. This type of functionality makes Kubernetes a useful instrument for reliable applications.
Streamlined CI/CD pipelines: Integration of Kubernetes in CI/CD pipelines thus makes the implementation of automated testing, deployment and updates easier. Through Kubernetes, a DevOps team becomes well-equipped to implement sound CI/CD models such that there is quickness in release with safety, thereby improving quality.
Roles of Bootcamps in Learning Kubernetes
For a new user of Kubernetes or for a DevOps professional who wishes to upskill, boot camps offer an accelerated, practical path to mastery. Bootcamps are different from traditional courses as they focus on hands-on experience. Students get an opportunity to work on actual Kubernetes scenarios.
Some of the reasons why boot camps become effective for learning Kubernetes are:
Practically-oriented, Actual Training: The training is more practical than theoretical and the students experience the nature of tasks they would encounter in a DevOps role. In fact, most boot camps are industry-backed and ensure that the curriculum is aligned with the needs of the industry and contemporary job market requirements.
Hands-on labs and projects: Most boot camps include hands-on labs where students will directly work in Kubernetes environments. However, real-world projects depicting direct application on a job, such as deploying applications, configuring clusters and managing workloads, help students hone their practical skills. Completing projects also enables students to build a portfolio of work, which they can later showcase to potential employers.
Mentorship and Support: Bootcamps usually consist of mentorship, whereby students are exposed to experienced instructors who guide them through various challenges and they receive all personalised feedback. In the case of beginners, this is great support since they may not cope well with Kubernetes.
Accelerated Path to Certification: Many boot camps prepare the students for Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) exams. Both are industry-wide accepted certifications and open a very large number of doors at work. A boot camp equips its students with skills and the necessary confidence to pass these exams.
Career-Boosting Skill for DevOps Engineers
With more organisations adopting cloud-native and containerised environments, the demand for Kubernetes skills is at an all-time high. It means that a DevOps engineer who knows Kubernetes is signalling to employers that he can manage complex applications at scale, optimise deployment processes and ensure application reliability- all critical skills for modern tech environments. Learning Kubernetes also leads to advanced opportunities in cloud architecture, infrastructure management and DevOps leadership roles.
Conclusion
DevOps engineers now see Kubernetes as an excellent tool for the efficient management of containerised applications and streamlining operations at scale. Bootcamps, therefore, are the best way to gain hands-on experience with Kubernetes, supporting new learners and professionals to learn the practical skills required for success in this high-demand area. As for this, the London School of Emerging Technology (LSET) is bringing you an opportunity to enrol in their DevOps Boot Camp and understand the aspects of DevOps opportunities.