> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://notebook.iuriioapps.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://notebook.iuriioapps.com/containers-and-microservices/kubernetes/crds-and-the-operator-pattern.md). # CRD's and The Operator Pattern ## CRD's and The Operator Pattern * You can add 3rd-party Resources and Controllers * This extends Kubernetes API and CLI * A pattern is starting to emerge of using these together * Operator: automate deployment and management of complex apps, e.g. Databases, monitoring tools, backups, and custom ingresses ## Higher Deployment Abstractions * All out `kubectl` commands just talk to the Kubernetes API * Kubernetes has limited built-in templating, versioning, tracking and management of your apps * There are now many tools to do that, but many are defunct * Helm is the most popular * 'Compose on Kubernetes' comes with Docker Desktop * These are optional, and your distro may have a preference * Most distros support Helm * Many of the deployment tools have templating options * You'll need a solution as a number of environments / apps grow * Helm was the first 'winner' in this space, but can be complex * Official 'Kustomize' () feature works out-of-the-box * `docker app` and `Compose-on-Kubernetes` are Docker's way --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://notebook.iuriioapps.com/containers-and-microservices/kubernetes/crds-and-the-operator-pattern.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.