Dokku vs Kubernetes: What are the differences?

1. Automation and Orchestration: Dokku is a simple, lightweight platform that focuses on automating the deployment process by using a simple command-line interface. It is primarily designed for small to medium-sized projects and provides basic deployment and scaling functionalities. In contrast, Kubernetes is a powerful container orchestration platform that offers advanced automation and orchestration capabilities. It enables the management of large-scale containerized applications, automatic scaling, and high availability, making it suitable for complex and scalable projects.

2. Infrastructure Complexity: Dokku is relatively easy to set up and use as it runs directly on a single server. It simplifies the deployment process by abstracting away the complexity of infrastructure management. On the other hand, Kubernetes is designed to operate on a cluster of multiple servers, which leads to a higher level of complexity. It requires additional infrastructure components like a load balancer and a distributed file system, making it better suited for enterprise-grade applications with more complex infrastructure requirements.

3. Supported Environments: Dokku is specifically built for deploying applications on a single server, making it suitable for small projects or personal use. It is compatible with popular hosting providers and can be easily set up on a virtual private server. Conversely, Kubernetes is designed to scale and orchestrate applications across multiple servers or clusters, making it a better choice for large-scale production environments. It supports various cloud providers and can be deployed on-premises or in a hybrid cloud setup.

4. Customizability and Extensibility: Dokku is lightweight and focuses on simplicity, which limits its customization options. It provides a minimal set of features to deploy applications quickly but lacks advanced customizability. In contrast, Kubernetes is highly extensible and customizable. It offers a robust API and includes a wide range of features like service discovery, load balancing, and rolling updates. Kubernetes also provides a vast ecosystem of plugins and extensions that can be used to enhance its functionality based on specific needs.

5. Community and Support: Dokku has a smaller community compared to Kubernetes. While it has an active community that provides updates and support, the resources and community-driven contributions are not as extensive as Kubernetes. Kubernetes, being an open-source platform developed by Google, has a large and vibrant community. It receives frequent updates and benefits from the contributions of many developers and companies. The extensive community support ensures a more stable and well-maintained platform.

6. Learning Curve and Complexity: Dokku has a relatively low learning curve and is easy to set up and use for small projects. It provides a straightforward deployment workflow and requires minimal configuration. On the other hand, Kubernetes has a steeper learning curve due to its advanced features and complex architecture. It requires a deeper understanding of containerization, networking, and distributed systems. Setting up and managing a Kubernetes cluster involves more configuration and administrative tasks, making it better suited for experienced DevOps teams.

In Summary, Dokku is a lightweight and simple deployment platform suited for small projects, while Kubernetes is a powerful container orchestration platform designed for large-scale, complex applications with advanced automation and customization options.