Starting with Kubernetes can be overwhelming. One of the biggest shifts is not just what you work with, but how you work.
Here are 5 principles to keep in mind when getting started:
- It’s not only a system - Take the time to understand the platform’s architecture and how it works.
- Think declaratively - In Kubernetes, you describe the desired end state, not the step-by-step process. This changes how you approach automation and configuration.
- Use shell scripts with care - While they can be useful early on, they may cause friction when moving to templating or GitOps.
- Security first - Learn about security contexts and related features early. This will save time when policy controllers are enabled.
- Make the platform your friend - Kubernetes is mature and well-designed. If something feels complex, there’s often a simpler, built-in solution.
These principles are just the beginning. Once mastered, they provide a solid foundation for workloads, networking, and scaling.