Kubernetes pods and deployment are basic yet essential components of a container environment. Even though they are part of the same architecture, they serve different functions within the structure. To use either in production effectively, users need to understand the roles each one plays. Here is a glance at how different Kubernetes pods and deployment are. 

Kubernetes Pods

Pods are the smallest building block within a Kubernetes (K8s) cluster, able to build applications. Each pod has a unique IP address, and its contents are always run in a shared manner. 

There are two types of pods that you can create within Kubernetes. The first, one container per pod, is the most popular model. One container per pod is the smallest model type in Kubernetes, so the pod is managed directly instead of through containers. 

Meanwhile, the second, a multi-container pod, can hold many co-located containers that are tightly coupled. This allows them to share resources amongst themselves. These containers then work as a cohesive unit together as one. A multi-container pod wraps these containers with storage resources into a single unit. 

Moreover, as each pod runs a single instance of your application, you can use a pod to scale accordingly. You’re able to run multiple containers of the same application within one pod.

Kubernetes Deployment

In Kubernetes, the term deployment has a specialized meaning that defines a pod’s characteristics or expected behavior. Here, the term is not used to refer to either application or service deployments. 

Manual update of containerized applications is a tedious, time-consuming process. Such upgrades require steps such as starting a new pod version, stopping the old version, verification of a successful launch of the latest version, and rarely, in case of failures, going back to an initial version. 

Manually performing these steps is subject to human errors. There is also a significant use of time and effort in scripting the process correctly. Kubernetes deployment can remove such bottlenecks and make the process automated and redundant. The K8s backend fully manages the deployments. Furthermore, the whole process of updating is performed without on the server side – which means that there is no client interaction.

Kubernetes Pods vs. Deployments – The Final Word

Kubernetes is evolving, and both pods and deployments play a significant role in its processes. It is not a debate on pod vs. deployment, but how these elements do their job well and complete the overall operation successfully.

VEXXHOST offers Kubernetes services certified by the CNCF and offers fully managed deployments with seamless integration, constant monitoring, and security. Additionally, our cloud services are based on OpenStack, making the environments free from licensing fees or vendor lock-ins. For many of our clients, private clouds are the preferred choice because of their highly scalable and secure nature.  

Speaking of private clouds, you can now run on a fully agile and customized cloud from VEXXHOST, with no licensing fees and smooth 2-week migration. In fact, we’re ready to put our money where our mouth is. We’re so confident in being able to save you at least 20% or more on your current cloud infrastructure expenditure that if proven wrong- we’ll give you $1,000 credit to our public cloud.   

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