DevConf.CZ

Automating Kubernetes Operations with Ansible-Based Operator Development
06-13, 14:00–14:35 (Europe/Prague), E104 (capacity 72)

The rapid evolution of cloud-native environments demands efficient management and automation tools. Kubernetes has emerged as the de facto standard for container orchestration, but operational complexities persist, necessitating advanced automation solutions. Ansible, a powerful automation framework, offers a seamless approach to manage Kubernetes resources through its Operator pattern.

This session explores the development of an Ansible-based Operator for Kubernetes, facilitating streamlined management and automation of complex application deployments and day-2 operations. Leveraging Ansible's simplicity and versatility, developers can create custom operators tailored to specific workload requirements.

We delve into the architectural components of Kubernetes Operators, highlighting how Ansible seamlessly integrates with Kubernetes' Custom Resource Definitions (CRDs) and controllers. By defining desired states and workflows as code, operators enable self-healing, scaling, and management of Kubernetes-native applications.

Key topics covered include:

Introduction to Kubernetes Operators and their role in automating operations.
- Overview of Ansible's capabilities and its suitability for Kubernetes automation.
- Step-by-step guide to developing an Ansible-based Operator, including CRD definition, controller implementation, and reconciliation loops.
- Best practices for structuring Ansible playbooks and roles to ensure scalability and maintainability.
Real-world use cases demonstrating the efficacy of Ansible-based Operators in managing diverse Kubernetes workloads.

By adopting Ansible-based Operators, organizations can achieve significant efficiency gains in Kubernetes management, reducing manual intervention and minimizing operational overhead. This session serves as a comprehensive guide for developers and operators looking to harness the power of Ansible for Kubernetes automation, empowering them to unlock the full potential of cloud-native environments.

See also:

Sylvain Chen is a Principal Consultant working at Red Hat. He has deep expertise in OpenShift, Ansible, DevOps, and software development. Currently, he mostly consults in Switzerland. He has spoken at Red Hat Summits, Ansible Fest, and other technical conferences.