docker-vs-kubernetes

Docker and Kubernetes are both container management software but offer different features that make them difficult to compare.  Notably, while Docker and Kubernetes can run separately, many businesses also use both, as they have many unique features.   Docker is designed to create containers, while Kubernetes focuses on controlling and managing containers. Kubernetes is most popular with large enterprises, while Docker is popular with businesses of all sizes.

Features and Limitations

Docker is an open-source file type and software that allows users to create and destroy containers.  Containers are isolated packages of software and their dependencies, making them entirely self-sufficient.  This is important as many technologies have large amounts of dependencies. Isolating software with its dependencies allows for quick and simple communication. Additionally, Docker containers allow businesses to use fewer virtual machines. Docker containers are easy for developers to work with. One challenge with Docker containers is that it can be difficult to get containers to share data or communicate with each other.  Additionally, it can be challenging to scale with many container instances.

Kubernetes is an open-source orchestration software that helps businesses manage their containers, whether they are created via Docker or another software. Kubernetes reduces complexity when deploying containers across multiple servers as it can manage both containers and virtual machine instances. Where Docker containers run well on a single node, as complexity increases, Kubernetes allows businesses to manage many containers across a cluster of nodes. On its own, Kubernetes is less efficient for single nodes, or small scale projects.

Utilized together, Kubernetes and Docker allow users to benefit from containers on small projects and easily manage them as they grow.  For businesses that aren’t worried about scaling, Docker alone may be a good choice, while organizations that are already developing at scale may prefer Kubernetes.

Pricing

Kubernetes and Docker are both open-source software, so their source code is available online for free.  For businesses looking for hosting as a service or additional support, there are a number of vendors that host either software. Pricing for either software is dependent on the vendor, as well as support and feature needs.