Even though Kubernetes and Docker harmonize really well, competition does exist when it comes to Swarm. Although Docker is compatible with both solutions and can even switch between the two, Docker Swarm and Kubernetes can’t be combined. Users therefore face the question of whether they wish to use the highly popular Kubernetes system or Swarm, which belongs to Docker.
Generally, the setup of both tools is very similar; only the names of the individual aspects differ. The application purpose is also identical: effectively managing containers and ensuring the most efficient use of resources via intelligent scaling.
Swarm reveals some of its advantages during the installation: Since the tool is an integral component of Docker, the transition is really easy. While it’s necessary to first set up orchestration with Kubernetes (which admittedly is not particularly difficult), everything is already in place with Swarm. However, as many users already likely work with Docker, they don’t need to familiarize themselves with how a new program works.
By contrast, Kubernetes offers its own intuitive GUI: The application’s dashboard not only provides an excellent overview of all aspects of the project, it can also perform a number of different tasks. On the other hand, Swarm only offers this convenience with the use of additional programs.
Kubernetes also excels in terms of functionality: While Swarm needs extra tools for monitoring and maintaining a log, these tasks are already included as standard in the Kubernetes toolset.
However, the main benefits of both programs can be found in scaling and ensuring availability. In this case, Docker Swarm is generally better with respect to scalability. The reason for this is the complexity of Kubernetes, which makes it sluggish to some degree. Nonetheless, the complex system ensures that automatic scaling is better with Kubernetes. What’s more, a major advantage of Kubernetes is that it monitors the condition of containers at all times and immediately compensates for failures.
Swarm performs better with its load balancing: even distribution of load is a matter of course with Swarm. In the case of Kubernetes, a little workaround is necessary for load balancing. Here, deployments first need to be changed into services in order to benefit from load balancing.