OpenShift vs fabric8: What are the differences?

Introduction

OpenShift and fabric8 are both popular platforms that provide solutions for application development and deployment. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two that set them apart.

1. Ease of Use: OpenShift offers a user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it easier for developers to navigate and manage their applications. On the other hand, fabric8 focuses more on providing a command-line interface, which may be preferred by developers who are comfortable working with terminals and command prompts.

2. Scalability: OpenShift is known for its robust scalability features, allowing applications to easily handle a large number of users and traffic. It provides automatic scaling options and built-in load balancing capabilities. In contrast, fabric8 offers more flexibility in terms of scalability, allowing developers to choose the most suitable approach for their specific application requirements.

3. Community Support: OpenShift has a large and active community of users and contributors, which means that there is a wealth of resources available for developers who need help or want to learn more about the platform. On the other hand, fabric8 may have a smaller community compared to OpenShift, but it still offers a supportive ecosystem where developers can get assistance and share their experiences.

4. Integration with Kubernetes: OpenShift is built on top of Kubernetes, an open-source container orchestration platform. This integration allows developers to take advantage of the rich features and capabilities provided by Kubernetes while also benefiting from the additional tools and functionalities offered by OpenShift. In contrast, fabric8 provides its own set of tools and frameworks for managing containers and microservices, without the direct integration with Kubernetes.

5. Supported Platforms: OpenShift supports a wide range of platforms, including public cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as on-premises deployments. This flexibility enables developers to choose the environment that suits their needs best. On the other hand, while fabric8 can also be deployed on various platforms, it may require more configuration and customization to work seamlessly with different infrastructure setups.

6. Vendor Lock-In: OpenShift is developed and maintained by Red Hat, a well-known and trusted enterprise software provider. While this can provide assurance and stability for organizations using OpenShift, it may also create a dependency on Red Hat's ecosystem. In contrast, fabric8 is an open-source project with contributions from multiple organizations and individuals, which reduces the risk of vendor lock-in and allows for more freedom and flexibility in terms of customization and integration.

In Summary, OpenShift and fabric8 offer different approaches to application development and deployment. OpenShift focuses on ease of use, scalability, and integration with Kubernetes, while fabric8 prioritizes flexibility, community support, and independence from vendor lock-in. The choice between the two platforms depends on the specific requirements and preferences of developers and organizations.