Custom Resource Definition (CRD)
A Kubernetes extension to define custom resources.
Description
In the AWS ecosystem, a Custom Resource Definition (CRD) allows users to extend Kubernetes capabilities by defining their own resource types. This capability is particularly useful when integrating AWS services with Kubernetes, enabling developers to manage cloud resources using Kubernetes-native tooling. With CRDs, users can create custom objects that the Kubernetes API server recognizes, allowing for the automation of complex workflows and the management of resources like databases, queues, or any other service that can be represented as a Kubernetes resource. For example, an organization might define a CRD for an Amazon RDS database, allowing users to create, update, and manage their databases alongside other Kubernetes resources. This integration simplifies operations by providing a unified management layer, promoting infrastructure as code practices and enhancing the overall developer experience in cloud-native environments.
Examples
- Creating a CRD for managing Amazon RDS instances directly through Kubernetes.
- Defining a CRD to manage AWS Lambda functions as native Kubernetes resources.
Additional Information
- CRDs are often used in conjunction with operators that automate the management of the custom resources.
- AWS offers tools like the AWS Controllers for Kubernetes (ACK) to facilitate the creation of CRDs for various AWS services.