Kubernetes vs. Docker Swarm
Tags: kubernetes, docker, containers, orchestration
Published: 2023-08-29 19:28:19

## Docker

A containerization platform that allows you to package an application and its dependencies into a single image. This image can then be run on any machine that has Docker installed.

## Kubernetes

An orchestration platform that allows you to manage and automate the deployment, scaling, and operation of containers across clusters of hosts.

## Docker vs Kubernetes

| Feature | Docker | Kubernetes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Purpose | Containerization | Orchestration |
| What it does | Packages an application and its dependencies into a single image | Manages and automates the deployment, scaling, and operation of containers across clusters of hosts |

## Docker Swarm

A container orchestration system that allows you to run and manage Docker containers across a cluster of hosts. It is a native Docker project that is designed to be easy to use and efficient.

Docker Swarm uses a master/worker architecture. The master node is responsible for managing the cluster and scheduling containers on the worker nodes. The worker nodes are responsible for running the containers.

## Docker Swarm vs. Kubernetes

Kubernetes and Docker Swarm are both container orchestration platforms, so they can be alternatives to each other.

- **Kubernetes**
    - More mature and feature-rich platform than Docker Swarm.
    - A wider range of features, such as automatic scaling, load balancing, and self-healing.
    - More flexible and can be used to orchestrate containers on a variety of platforms, including bare metal, virtual machines, and cloud computing platforms.
- **Docker Swarm**
    - A simpler and easier-to-use platform than Kubernetes.
    - It is a good choice for small teams or for projects that do not require the full range of features offered by Kubernetes.
    - Docker Swarm is also more tightly integrated with Docker, which can make it easier to manage Docker containers.

| Feature | Kubernetes | Docker Swarm |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maturity | More mature | Less mature |
| Features | A wider range of features | Fewer features |
| Flexibility | More flexible | Less flexible |
| Ease of use | More complex | Easier to use |
| Integration with Docker | Less integrated | More integrated |

## Docker Swarm Commands:

- `docker config` — Manage Swarm configs
- `docker node` — Manage Swarm nodes
- `docker secret` — Manage Swarm secrets
- `docker service`  — Manage Swarm services
- `docker stack` — Manage Swarm stacks
- `docker swarm` — Manage Swarm

## **Which one to choose?**

- The best choice depends on specific needs and requirements.
    - If a mature and feature-rich platform can be used to orchestrate containers on a variety of platforms, then Kubernetes is a good choice.
    - If most of the full range of features offered by Kubernetes is not that useful or the team is looking for a simple system, then Docker Swarm is a good choice.
- **Size and complexity of the project**: If the project is huge or complex, then Kubernetes is a better choice.
- **Team experience**: It can also depend on team experience in tackling complexity.
- **Project budget**: Kubernetes is a more expensive platform than Docker Swarm.