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Kubernetes, an introduction

This guide aims to be a light introduction to Kuberenets. What is it, why do we need it, and what will we do with it..

Original Author: Amna Akram
Lastmod: 2025-10-08
Status: DRAFT
Comments: scratch notes and not really a complete guide. ended up here by mistake. will update later

At this point as a third year student, you should already be familiar with Docker. If not, Jamk offers a course on the subject

TODO: Why Kuberenets, what's the point? Kuberenetes takes Docker containers to a whole new level

Kubernetes (aka K8s) is a specification and set of components (API server, scheduler, kubelet etc.). Full kubernetes can be heavy and requires several nodes, which is why different implementations exist for different needs:

For WIMMA production platform, microK8s has been chosen as the Kuberenets implementation.

Terms used in the Kubernetes world#

TODO: add a mini glossary here

Cluster#

Node#

A node is a machine. It can be physical (a raspberry pi computer for example) or it can be virtual (cPouta VM)

Each node is running a kubelet, tiny application that runs on the machine

Each node also has one or more pods

Pod#

The smallest deployable unit in Kubernetes. Analogy: An apartment inside a building.

A pod can contain one or more containers (usually Docker containers).

All containers inside a pod share the same “utilities”:

  • IP address (like the apartment’s street address).
  • Storage volumes (like a shared fridge).

Node setup#

  • Hardware: Raspberry Pi / Pouta VM
  • OS: Rocky Linux / Ubuntu Server