Kubernetes (K3's) Cluster Overview
A Kubernetes cluster is a group of computers—called nodes—that work together to run applications using containers. These nodes can be physical servers or virtual machines. The cluster is made up of at least one control plane node, which manages the overall system, and one or more worker nodes, which actually run the applications inside containers. Kubernetes handles things like starting and stopping containers, scaling up apps, and keeping them running even if something fails.
K3s is a lightweight version of Kubernetes, designed for smaller environments like home labs, edge computing, or resource-constrained systems. It’s much easier to install and manage than full Kubernetes, but still powerful enough to run real workloads. K3s simplifies the setup by combining several components, using less memory, and supporting ARM-based devices—making it a popular choice for developers and small-scale production use.
In short, a K3s cluster gives you the power of Kubernetes with a simpler and more efficient setup, ideal for learning, testing, or running lightweight applications.
Structure Overview
Namespaces
Storage | PV & PVC
Deployments
A placeholder that keeps your resources organized and separate. It helps you manage different projects or environments within the same cluster without them interfering with each other.
Deployments
Storage | PV & PVC
Deployments
A blueprint for your applications. It defines how many copies of your app should run, how to update them, and what to do if something goes wrong. With deployments, you can easily roll out new versions, scale up or down, and ensure your app is always running smoothly.
Storage | PV & PVC
Storage | PV & PVC
Storage | PV & PVC
PV/PVC work together to manage storage. A PV is like a storage unit in your cluster, set up and ready to store data. It's a resource that you can use to keep your data safe and accessible. On the other hand, a PVC is like a request for storage from your application. When your app needs storage, it makes a claim (PVC) specifying how much space and what type of storage it needs.
Services
Storage | PV & PVC
Storage | PV & PVC
For managing how your applications communicate within the cluster and with the outside world. A service in Kubernetes is like a stable endpoint that your applications can use to talk to each other, even if the underlying pods change. Using kubectl, you can create, update, and manage these services easily.