Kubernetes and Docker Swarm are the most commonly used orchestration frameworks. They provide a similar set of capabilities and essentially solve the same problem—management containers in an unsafe and highly dynamic environment. While some of their features overlap, there are also significant differences and the choice of system depends on many factors, such as the number of containers, availability requirements, and team expertise, to name a few.
The table provides an insight into the most important differences:
Kubernetes |
Docker Swarm |
A separate modular design project that has its own dependencies. |
Native container orchestration solution available out of the box. |
Relatively steep learning curve due to new concepts and complex architecture. |
Easy to get started; uses familiar terminology; more lightweight. |
A pod is... |