The Best Kubernetes Tools For Managing Large Scale Projects and Cost optimization tool
Tags: kubernetes, aws, github
Published: 2020-08-02 15:32:25

Introduction
Kubernetes raised the bar on the competition. Now a mature technology, organizations across the globe are increasingly embracing a software development strategy focused on container-oriented microservices. Kubernetes is popular in the industry and industry leaders are helping it grow further, creating robust frameworks, and a Kubernetes core-based ecosystem. Because of its ability to meet the most diverse requirements and constraints an application can build, it’s firmly set as the most common open-source container orchestration framework.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best tools for Kubernetes. These tools will compliment K8s and boost your development operations so you can get more from Kubernetes.

Kubernetes Deployment Tools:
1. Helm:
Helm is a newer configuration management tool within the Kubernetes world. It uses a YAML file form called Charts which are similar to a Debian, an Apt, or a Yum RPM. Charts are used to describe, install, and update Kubernetes. They are prototypical, and support even the most complex Kubernetes services. Charts are thoughtfully built to be easily produced and maintained. They can be exchanged, used for Kubernetes publishing, and contain a kit description and at least one example. Templates contain manifest files on Kubernetes and can be reused several times for deployment. If more than one instance of the same chart is mounted, a new release will be produced.

2.Apollo:
Apollo offers a Kubernetes Control UI that allows logs to be viewed and you can revert to a deployment version with just a simple click. It also offers a pattern of versatile permissions and is a lightweight tool for continuous deployment. Apollo can add to any existing construction cycle and only needs to be informed of a "ready artifact." This Kubernetes management tool enables users to control several Kubernetes clusters. These clusters can have different namespaces. The live querying function lets you show the latest deployment status and allows visualization of pod status, reading logs, and restarting pods.

3. Kubespray:
Kubespray is a Kubernetes management tool that works through Ansible roles. It supports AWS, Google Cloud Environment, Azure, and OpenStack. Kubespray benefits those familiar with Ansible, but with a slight learning curve, making both provisioning and management possible through a single tool. Kubespray enables continuous integration tests and support is available for most Linux distros.

The Best Kubernetes CLI Tools:
1. Kubectl:
Kubectl is the default Kubernetes CLI Tool and supports all of the Kubernetes based operations. Nodes are detected in the $HOME directory via the config file. Kubectl accepts additional kubeconfig files as well. Simply set the variable to the appropriate location - you can do this with the –kubeconfig flag, too. Docker users can communicate with the API server using kubectl. Kubectl commands are similar to Docker commands, with just a few small variations.

2. Kubectx:
Both of these Kubernetes instruments are accessible via a shared repo. Over kubectl they have additional functions. In multi-cluster environments, kubectx is a useful method that can be used to switch context among clusters. One major benefit of kubectx is the ability to disguise cluster names. This feature enables context switching with the "kubectx [disguise]" command. kubectx knows the previous context. This memory allows "kubectx-." to turn back (note: kubectx isn't available for Windows).

3. Kube-shell:
Kube-shell can be used to complement kubectl - it’s formed on top of kubectl and improves performance by rendering commands auto-complete. It suggests commands based on certain values that are typed. Kube-shell includes explanations in-line until the commands are executed. Another critical feature is cycling from previous functions, which can be achieved by clicking the arrow keys.

What Are Kubernetes Security Tools?
The security requirements of containers are special. They diverge from other hosting styles, such as VPS. The explanation for that is that they have to protect more layers. These involve images of the container runtime, the orchestrator, and the program. Some advanced resources are set out below:

Twistlock:
Twistlock is a container protection solution with a complete life cycle. It has a VMS, which checks for any vulnerabilities, by continuously scanning Kubernetes, and there's even an Automated Firewall. Another essential function of Twistlock is the scanning of container images. Support for the components Node.js and Docker images is available. Twistlock focuses on two critical aspects of container protection. First, it continuously scans container images, as every day new data threats arise. Next, it focuses on the health of containers that operate. We must first set a standard for normal behavior that can be easily tracked afterward.

Aqua:
Before deployment, Aqua Protection scans the container images. This feature lets you read-only the picture. Immutable images are less vulnerable to threats. Often it allows phenomena to be quickly noticed. These scans are performed in every part of the application. One of its key functions is to protect multi-tenancy environments. Aqua performs this function while ensuring that tenants remain isolated. Isolation applies to both access and data. It scans for multiple security problems, such as established risks, hidden codes, and malware.

Falco:
A targeted security tool from Kubernetes which detects unusual activity in your containers. It is derived from the Sysdig Project and has become a staple of commerce. Falco controls containers that concentrate mainly on device calls to the kernels. They’re using a common set of rules for the control of several container layers to include the container, the program, the host, and the network itself.

Kubernetes cost allocation and Capacity Planning allocation Tools
First, let’s quickly go over why we always start with resource/cost allocation before helping teams optimize their resources. We do it because 1) it directly uncovers common patterns that create overspending on infrastructure assets, not to mention other undesirable issues within a Kubernetes cluster and 2) it helps teams prioritize where to focus their optimization efforts. The root cause of these negative patterns has ranged from the mundane (abandoned deployments) to the startling (bitcoin mining malware).

Kubernetes Opex Analytics
Kubernetes Opex Analytics is a tool to help organizations track the resources being consumed by their Kubernetes clusters to prevent overpaying. To do so it generates, short-, mid- and long-term usage reports showing relevant insights on what amount of resources each project is spending over time. The final goal being to ease cost allocation and capacity planning decisions with factual analytics.

For more details how it works and it's dashboard go through this url: https://github.com/rchakode/kube-opex-analytics

Kubecost
Kubecost enables teams to view the following with an install that takes only minutes: Real-time cost allocations by all key k8s concepts, e.g. spend namespace, deployment, service, daemonset, pod, container, job, etc. Cost allocation by configurable labels to measure spend by owner, team, department, product, etc. Dynamic asset pricing enabled by integrations with AWS and GCP billing APIs, estimates available for Azure Cost allocation metrics for CPU, GPU, memory, and storage Out of cluster cloud costs tied back to owner, e.g. S3 buckets and RDS instance allocated to pod/deployment

The core Kubecost allocation model is open source (Apache 2) and can now be found on Github. You can deploy it as a pod directly on your cluster if you want to run the model yourself or make modifications. You can also install the full Kubecost product (w/ associated dashboards) via a single Helm install on our website.

Application Kube resources report
https://kube-resource-report.demo.j-serv.de/application-kube-resource-report.html