Demystifying Kubernetes Part 3: Understanding Kubernetes Architecture

Paul Hoke
4 min readJul 24, 2024
Kubernetes

This is Part 3 of the ongoing Kubernetes tutorial series.
Previous articles: Part 1, Part 2.

Kubernetes has revolutionized the way we deploy, scale, and manage containerized applications. To effectively use Kubernetes, it’s crucial to understand its architecture. This article provides more details on the core components of Kubernetes, focusing on Master and Worker Nodes, and the role of etcd.

Master and Worker Nodes

Kubernetes clusters are composed of two main types of nodes: Master Nodes and Worker Nodes. Each type of node has specific components that play vital roles in the cluster’s operation.

Components of the Master Node

The Master Node is the control plane of the Kubernetes cluster. It manages the cluster, making global decisions about the cluster (e.g., scheduling), and detecting and responding to cluster events (e.g., starting up a new pod when a deployment’s replicas field is unsatisfied).

1. API Server

The API Server is the front end of the Kubernetes control plane. It exposes the Kubernetes API, which is used by all components to communicate with each other. It also serves as the entry point for…

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Paul Hoke

Enterprise software engineer. I enjoy new, cutting-edge technologies, lean software methodologies, and seeking solutions to high-impact world problems.