Getting started with Kubernetes can feel like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. On the surface, it seems straightforward—deploy your containerized app and go. But then the iceberg hits: YAML sprawl, mysterious Pod evictions, and networking tangles that make you question everything.
After years wrangling Kubernetes in production, I’ve pulled together a shortlist of lessons I wish someone had handed me on Day 1. These aren't just tips—they're sanity savers.
🚨 Don't Skimp on Resource Requests & Limits
Skipping these? Say hello to throttling and unexpected Pod evictions. Use tools like Prometheus to fine-tune based on real usage.
📛 Namespace Like Your Life Depends on It
Namespaces are more than folders—they’re your key to organizing, securing, and scaling your workloads. Pair them with RBAC for a tighter ship.
🎯 Use Probes for Container Health
Liveness, readiness, and startup probes let Kubernetes know if your app is working. Without them, your cluster is flying blind.
🔐 Security: Non-Negotiable
Set RBAC from Day 1. Use Pod Security Standards. Store secrets securely (hint: not in environment variables—use tools like Pulumi ESC or external secrets stores).
📦 Don’t Handcraft YAML Forever
Use Helm, Kustomize, or tools like Pulumi to manage infra with code. Your future self (and teammates) will thank you.
📊 Monitor Everything
From metrics (Prometheus) to logs (Loki, EFK) and traces (Jaeger), observability is your safety net. Set alerts before things break.
⚙️ Automate Deployments
Embrace CI/CD and GitOps to avoid the “it works on my machine” dilemma. Tools like Argo CD or GitHub Actions are your friends.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Want to avoid common Kubernetes pitfalls and keep your clusters running smoothly
👉 Read the full article: Kubernetes Best Practices I Wish I Had Known Before
