Blogs

Imperative

Description 

• What to do – step by step process

Simple example in kubernetes 

kubectl run testpod --image=busybox

Advanced Example in kubernetes

kubectl run my-pod --image=busybox --restart=Never --overrides='{ "spec": { "containers": [ { "name": "my-container", "command": [ "/bin/sh", "-c", "echo 'Hello, World!' && sleep 3600" ] } ] } }'

What are the advantages?

• there is no deeper knowledge in YAML file structure needed to unterstand and operate in the imperative way
• its fast and easy to do

What is it best for?

• Certifications such as CKA, where you have to be fast
• short term testing
• getting knowledge
• try-out sessions

Declarative

Description 

• What you want to achieve – what is the goal?

Simple Example in kubernetes

Kubectl apply -f testpod.yaml
Testpod.yaml
apiVersion: v1
kind: Pod
metadata:
  name: testpod
spec:
  containers:
  - name: busybox
    image: busybox

Advanced Example in kubernetes

apiVersion: v1
kind: Pod
metadata:
  name: my-pod
spec:
  restartPolicy: Never
  containers:
  - name: my-container
    image: busybox
    command: ["/bin/sh", "-c", "echo 'Hello, World!' && sleep 3600"]

What are the advantages?

• gives a better view of what is done
• the file is like a construction plan, which can be easily transfered to another instance

What is it best for?

• Production environments for getting a better view of what and who it has been done
• Complex configuration
• persistance

Author: Maximilian Pfisterer