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Jonas Scholz
Jonas Scholz Subscriber

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Docker Swarm vs Kubernetes

If you ever touched Docker you've probably heard about Kubernetes. But did you know that Docker has a competing product called Docker Swarm? Both are tools that help you handle your containers more easily, but they have their own strengths and ways of doing things.
Let's walk through what each one does, how they're different, and which might be the best fit for your needs!

Docker Docker Docker

What is Kubernetes?

Kubernetes is a tool that helps you manage and run containers in a big way. It's like having a smart manager for your containers that can handle complex tasks. Kubernetes can work on different types of computers, from virtual machines to physical servers. It was built from the ground up by people who knew a lot about managing big systems (Google :D), and it's supported by a large community of developers who keep improving it.

Kubernetes Architecture

Simplified Kubernetes Architecture, Source

Advantages of Kubernetes:

  • It can do a lot of things like balancing the load on your apps, fixing problems automatically, and scaling your apps up or down as needed.
  • It's very popular and supported by big companies and cloud services.
  • It's flexible and can be set up in many different ways.

Challenges with Kubernetes:

  • It can be hard to learn and set up because it's so powerful and complex.
  • Keeping it up to date can be a bit of a headache because the community is always adding new stuff.
  • It might be more than you need if you're just running a few simple apps.

What is Docker Swarm?

Docker Swarm was Dockers answer to Kubernetes and is another tool for managing containers, but it's designed to be simpler and easier to use. It's built right into Docker, a popular platform for creating and running containers. With Docker Swarm, you can turn a group of Docker engines into a single, virtual Docker engine that can manage your containers across multiple computers/servers.

Docker Swarm

Simplified Docker Swarm Architecture, Source

Advantages of Docker Swarm:

  • It's easy to set up because it's part of Docker, which you probably already use
  • It's good at quickly scaling your apps up or down.

Challenges with Docker Swarm:

  • It doesn't have as many features as Kubernetes, so it might not be able to handle very complex setups.
  • It's not as customizable as Kubernetes, which might limit what you can do with it.
  • Docker Swarm lost the battle against against Kubernetes and is basically unmaintained.

Comparing Kubernetes and Docker Swarm

Now, let's look at how these two tools stack up against each other.

Installation and Setup:

  • Kubernetes: Can be tricky to set up on your own, but cloud services make it easier.
  • Docker Swarm: Much simpler to get started with, especially if you're already using Docker.

Scalability:

  • Kubernetes: Can automatically scale your apps based on how busy they are.
  • Docker Swarm: Can scale your apps quickly, but you might need to tell it when to do so.

Load Balancing:

  • Kubernetes: Doesn't come with built-in load balancing, but you can add it easily.
  • Docker Swarm: Comes with load balancing built-in, making it easier to set up.

Ecosystem:

  • Kubernetes is the de facto industry standard and thus a way bigger ecosystem. Docker Swarm is only a niche tool at this point.

Choosing the Right Tool

So, which tool should you pick? As always, it depends on what you need:

  • If you're running a big, complex system and have a team that can handle it, Kubernetes might be the way to go. It's powerful and flexible, but it takes some effort to learn and manage.
  • If you're looking for something simpler and you're already using Docker, Docker Swarm could be a better fit. It's easier to get started with and works well for smaller setups or if you just want to keep things straightforward.
  • If you want to focus on shipping and not managing infra, checkout a managed container platform like sliplane.io.

In the end, both tools can help you manage your containers, but the best choice depends on your specific needs and what you're comfortable working with.

Cheers!

Jonas, Co-founder sliplane.io

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