From Containers to Kubernetes with Node.js

About this Book

This book is designed as an introduction to containers and Kubernetes by way of Node.js. Containers are the basis for distributed, repeatable workflows with orchestrators such as Kubernetes, and they allow developers and operators to develop applications consistently across environments and deploy them in a repeatable and predictable fashion.

The examples in this book focus on Node.js, a JavaScript runtime, and demonstrate how to develop an application that communicates with a MongoDB backend. Though the chapters of the book cover cumulative topics – from how to develop a stateless application, to adding storage, to containerization – they can also be used as independent guides.

Feel free to use the chapters in order, or jump to the discussion that best suits your purpose.

Motivation for this Book

Often, resources on development and deployment are relatively independent of one another: guides on containers and Kubernetes rarely cover application development, and tutorials on languages and frameworks are often focused on languages and other nuances rather than on deployment.

This book is designed to be a full-stack introduction to containers and Kubernetes by way of Node.js application development. It assumes that readers want an introduction not only to the fundamentals of containerization but also to the basics of working with Node and a NoSQL database backend.

Learning Goals and Outcomes

The goal of this guide is to serve readers interested in Node application development, as well as readers who would like to learn more about working with containers and container orchestrators. It assumes a shared interest in moving away from highly individuated local environments, in favor of repeatable, reproducible application environments that ensure consistency and ultimately resiliency over time.