PostgreSQL Containerized Deployment in Kubernetes

• Understanding the Kubernetes architecture
• Setting up and managing a Kubernetes development-environment
• Implementing the Postgres Operator
• Use of Patroni for cluster management

Target audience

The course is aimed at database administrators (DBAs) who want to expand their knowledge of PostgreSQL database administration. The course is also suitable for DevOps engineers who focus on the automation of deployment processes and for system administrators who are interested in the containerisation of database services. Software developers who use database solutions in their applications can also benefit from this course, as can IT architects who plan and implement cloud-based architectures. In addition, the course appeals to technology enthusiasts who want to understand modern technologies such as containers and Kubernetes.

Prerequisites and additional requirements

In addition the following knowledge is essential to be able to comprehend the content of this courses:

• Fulfilling this requirement is participation in course Course: PostgreSQL Administration and Performance Tuning
• Familiarity with Patroni: A basic understanding of Patroni and its role in ensuring the high availability of PostgreSQL is required.
• Fulfilling this requirement is participation in course: PostgreSQL High Availability Architecture with Patroni
• Knowledge of container technologies: Participants should be familiar with the concepts of containerization and have a basic understanding of container technologies, such as Docker.
• As containers and associated technologies are not PostgreSQL specific, participants should familiarize themselves with requiret subjects by their own means.

What this course will give you

Skills & knowledge

• Understanding the Kubernetes architecture: Participants will develop a solid understanding of the Kubernetes architecture and container orchestration concepts.
• Setting up and managing Kubernetes environments: Participants will gain the skills to effectively set up and manage Kubernetes environments, including the use of tools such as Minikube and kubectl.
• Efficiently managing PostgreSQL with Postgres Operator: Participants will learn how to configure and manage Postgres Operator to efficiently run PostgreSQL databases in Kubernetes.
• Implementing Patroni for High Availability: Participants will be able to implement Patroni in Kubernetes to manage PostgreSQL clusters, including scaling, backups and configuration changes.
• Dealing with storage solutions in Kubernetes: Participants will learn how to deal with different storage options in Kubernetes, including persistent volumes and their configuration for PostgreSQL.
• Kubernetes Fundamentals: Participants will understand the basic concepts of Kubernetes, including architecture, containerisation and orchestration.
• Administration with Postgres Operator: Participants will have a comprehensive knowledge of how to configure and administer Postgres Operator to manage PostgreSQL databases in Kubernetes.

Program content

Module 1: Introduction to Kubernetes

In this module, participants receive a basic introduction to Kubernetes, its architecture and the concepts of container orchestration. Participants will learn about the main components and functionalities of Kubernetes.

• Containers: Understanding containers and their importance in software development.
• Kubernetes architecture: Overview of the main components and their functions, including resource management and networking.
• Container orchestration: Introduction to container orchestration and how the reconciliation loop works in Kubernetes.

Module 2: Setting up the Kubernetes environment

In this module, participants will learn how to set up and manage their own Kubernetes environment. This includes installation techniques and the use of common CLI tools.

• Installation Methods and Minikube: Various methods for installing Kubernetes, including the use of Minikube for local development.
• Kubectl and CLI Tools: Using kubectl and other CLI tools to manage Kubernetes resources.
• Pods, ConfigMap, and Secrets: Fundamentals of pod management and the use of ConfigMaps and Secrets for configuration and sensitive data.

Module 3: Storage management in Kubernetes

This module covers the management of storage solutions in Kubernetes. Participants learn about the different storage variants and their configuration.

• Storage Volumes: Introduction to different types of storage volumes, including emptyDir and HostPath.
• Persistent Volumes and Claims: Managing persistent storage solutions and provisioning them dynamically or statically.

Module 4: Postgres Operator

In this module, participants will learn how to use Postgres Operator to effectively manage PostgreSQL databases in Kubernetes. Concepts, configuration and administration are covered.

• Concept and configuration: Introduction to the Postgres Operator and its customisation options.
• Administration: Management and monitoring of PostgreSQL instances, including backup and recovery strategies.

Module 5: Patroni in Kubernetes

In this module, participants will learn how to implement Patroni in Kubernetes to ensure the high availability of PostgreSQL instances. Use cases and management strategies are discussed.

• High Availability: Understanding how Patroni works and how to use it to ensure availability.
• Database management: Administration of PostgreSQL databases and roles as well as backup strategies (logical and continuous).

Course materials and environment

• Participants will get access to a dedicated lab environment with dedicated virtual machines running some Linux distribution.
• Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a PDF of the slide deck that was used during the training sessions
• Participants can download and use all scripts and configuration files present on their dedicated virtual machines during training
• Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a complimentry copy of the most recent edition of Hans-Jürgens Schönig’s book Mastering PostgreSQL