Docker vs Kubernetes: Understanding the Difference
By Karthick Selvam · Published
Docker packages applications into containers; Kubernetes runs and manages many containers across machines.
Docker
A toolset for building container images from a Dockerfile and running containers. It makes applications portable and consistent across environments.
Kubernetes
An open-source orchestration platform that schedules containers across a cluster, restarts failed ones, scales them and manages networking and configuration.
How they fit
You typically build images with Docker (or compatible tools) and run them on Kubernetes in production.
Do you need Kubernetes?
Not always. Small applications may be better served by simpler managed container or serverless services.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kubernetes require Docker?
No. Kubernetes runs OCI-compatible containers through runtimes like containerd; Docker-built images work fine.
Related programmes
- DevOps, Docker & CI/CD for Data Platforms
- Docker & Kubernetes
- Site Reliability Engineering for Data Platforms
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