k8s cicd implementation scheme, differences, advantages and disadvantages under different schemes

Yuxian: CSDN content partner, CSDN new star mentor, full-stack creative star creator, 51CTO (Top celebrity + expert blogger), github open source enthusiast (go-zero source code secondary development, game back-end architecture https: https://github.com/Peakchen)

There are many options for CI/CD (continuous integration/continuous delivery) implementation of Kubernetes (k8s), some of which are common including Jenkins, Tekton, GitLab CI/CD, and Argo CD. The following is a detailed explanation of the differences, advantages and disadvantages of these solutions, a flow chart, an explanation of usage scenarios, and links to some literature materials.

1. Jenkins:
   Jenkins is a popular CI/CD tool that can be integrated with Kubernetes for continuous delivery. Jenkins provides a rich plugin ecosystem and flexible configuration options that allow it to integrate with various tools and technology stacks.

advantage:

• Mature and widely used solution with a strong plugin ecosystem.
• Can be integrated with a variety of version control systems, build tools, and cloud platforms.
• Offers flexible custom configuration options.

shortcoming:

• Configuration and management are relatively complex, requiring some learning and maintenance costs.
• You need to manage the scalability and high availability of the Jenkins server yourself.

1. Tekton:
   Tekton is a cloud-native CI/CD framework focused on building, testing and deploying applications on Kubernetes. It defines the CI/CD pipeline in the form of Kubernetes native resources, and provides rich customization and extension options.

advantage:

• Based on Kubernetes native resources, it is closely integrated with Kubernetes.
• Offers scalable customization and extension options.
• Supports declarative Pipeline definition, which is easy to maintain and version control.

shortcoming:

• The learning curve is steep and requires a certain understanding of Kubernetes and Tekton concepts and resources.

1. GitLab CI/CD:
   GitLab CI/CD is the CI/CD feature built into the GitLab version control system. It provides comprehensive CI/CD capabilities, including the definition and management of automated build, test and deployment processes.

advantage:

• Integrates seamlessly with the GitLab version control system to provide an integrated developer experience.
• Provides an easy-to-use CI/CD pipeline configuration and management interface.
• Supports automated builds, tests, and deployments.

shortcoming:

• The functions are relatively limited, and additional customization and expansion may be required for complex CI/CD requirements.

1. Argo CD:
   Argo CD is a declarative GitOps tool focused on continuous delivery and application deployment. It uses Kubernetes native resources (such as Deployment, Service, etc.) to define and manage the deployment configuration of the application.

advantage:

• GitOps-based workflow, tightly integrated with version control systems such as Git.
• Provides an automated application deployment and rollback mechanism.
• Supports multi-environment deployment and continuous delivery.

shortcoming:

• It is suitable for application deployment and continuous delivery, and has limited CI functions such as building and testing.

flow chart:

+----------------------------------------------+
|                                              |
|                 CI/CD Tools                  |
|                                              |
|   +------------------+   +----------------+  |
|   |                  |   |                |  |
|   |      Jenkins     |   |   GitLab CI    |  |
|   |                  |   |     /CD        |  |
|   +--------+---------+   +-----+----------+  |
|            |                   |              |
|   +--------+---------+   +-----+----------+  |
|   |                  |   |                |  |
|   |      Tekton      |   |    Argo CD     |  |
|   |                  |   |                |  |
|   +------------------+   +----------------+  |
|                                              |
+----------------------------------------------+

Usage Scenario Explanation:
Different CI/CD implementations are suitable for different scenarios and requirements. Here are some common usage scenarios:

1. Jenkins：

   • Suitable for projects and organizations of all sizes, especially teams already using Jenkins as a build and deployment tool.
   • Can be integrated with a variety of tools and technology stacks, suitable for complex CI/CD processes and customization requirements.

2. Tekton:

   • Suitable for application building and deployment in cloud-native environments and Kubernetes clusters.
   • Provides a wealth of customization and extension options, suitable for complex CI/CD processes and customization requirements.
   • Especially useful for projects that require tight integration with Kubernetes-native resources.

3. GitLab CI/CD：

   • Suitable for teams using the GitLab version control system, providing an integrated developer experience.
   • Provides an easy-to-use CI/CD pipeline configuration and management interface, suitable for simple to moderately complex CI/CD requirements.
   • Ideal for small to mid-sized projects and organizations.

4. Argo CD:

   • For projects using GitOps workflows for continuous delivery and application deployment.
   • Especially useful for projects that need to automate application deployment and rollback.
   • Suitable for multi-environment deployment and continuous delivery scenarios.

Here are some links to related literature and materials to learn more about the details of these CI/CD implementations:

• Jenkins official documentation:  https://www.jenkins.io/doc/ ↗
• Tekton official documentation:  https://tekton.dev/docs/ ↗
• GitLab CI/CD official documentation:  https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/ci/ ↗
• Argo CD official documentation:  https://argoproj.github.io/argo-cd/ ↗