This article explains how to achieve Continuous Deployment of Docker-based software, using either pull-based approaches (external tools such as watchtower and harbormaster), or push-based techniques (deployment from the CI/CD pipeline). I explain the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and also illustrate how automated testing greatly reduces the risk of unnoticed failed deployments. Introduction When … Read more
This article demonstrates how to use the ArgoCD GitOps controller to deploy applications to a Kubernetes cluster. The definitions/manifests of these applications, such as an Ingress controller, monitoring stack, etc., are stored in GitLab. They are automatically updated by Renovate Bot, which regularly scans your GitLab project for outdated dependencies. A demo project illustrates how … Read more
In this Logging with Loki deep dive, I explain how log collection and analysis works in principle, and then demonstrate what separates Loki from other log storage solutions. I elaborate on the different Helm charts you can use to install Loki into your Kubernetes cluster and go into the installation process using the loki-stack chart … Read more
This article discusses the different options you have to install Prometheus in Kubernetes, and then explains the installation of the Prometheus operator in detail, using the kube-prometheus-stack Helm chart. I conclude with how to upgrade your Prometheus stack as well as your own alerting rules and Grafana dashboards. Introduction The Prometheus stack is a popular set of … Read more
This article explains best practices for writing alerts on an abstract, tool-independent level. I go into technical alerting patterns (including RED and USE) and why it is better to start from a business angle instead. I elaborate on general alerting rule design, such as alert frequency and appropriate destinations, and give concrete tips for addressing … Read more
This is a deep dive into PromQL, the Prometheus query language. I discuss the basic data formats (instant vector and range vector), explain the different types of operators and functions, and then elaborate on how binary operators do result vector matching. I conclude with various PromQL tips and hints, and help you get started in … Read more
This article helps you understand the basic Alertmanager and Prometheus concepts, such as metrics, time series, samples, alerts, and alert notifications. I also explain how data is conceptually stored, how you should approach instrumenting your application, and the basic idea of dashboards. Introduction The Prometheus stack is a popular set of tools used to achieve observability of your system. … Read more
This article takes a detailed look at the architecture of the Prometheus stack, consisting of the individual applications Prometheus, Alertmanager, Grafana, Pushgateway, and various exporters. I discuss how each component is configured, which kind of data it stores, and how Prometheus can be scaled. Introduction to Prometheus The Prometheus stack is a popular set of … Read more
In this article I define the term observability, why you need it and what basic steps are necessary to achieve it. I then present a generic learning guide for how to implement observability for Kubernetes with the Prometheus-stack. Introduction to Observability It is always important to quickly determine that your system is malfunctioninig, and to … Read more