How to choose the tools to run your Kubernetes pipeline

Liam Mackie's blog post, an excerpt from the guide "Kubernetes Delivery Unlocked," delves into the complexities of setting up a Kubernetes CI/CD pipeline, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right tools for different stages of the process. The post explains that while CI and CD phases are often grouped, they serve distinct functions, with CI focusing on building and testing code into artifacts, and CD deploying these artifacts across various environments. Mackie highlights the pitfalls of using makeshift solutions for CD, which can lead to increased complexity and reduced efficiency, advocating instead for more specialized, opinionated CD tools. The post also underscores the significance of reducing feedback loop times in CI to boost developer productivity and maintain code quality, emphasizing the need for deterministic and fast tests. Furthermore, it discusses the use of Semantic Versioning for version control, containerization for Kubernetes deployments, and the importance of understanding environment lifecycles and genericizing configurations to streamline deployments. Ultimately, Mackie suggests that using a combination of tools tailored to specific CI/CD needs can lead to more efficient, reliable, and seamless Kubernetes deployments.