Kubernetes is deprecating Docker: what you need to know (2024)

Kubernetes is Deprecating Docker?!

For some time now, it seems that when people think of containers, they think of Docker and Kubernetes. Docker has been the big name when it comes to building and running containers, and Kubernetes has been the big name when it comes to managing and orchestrating them. It might seem a bit shocking to hear that Kubernetes is deprecating support for Docker as a container runtime starting with Kubernetes version 1.20.

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So, I want to take this opportunity to talk about what this change really means, and what Kubernetes users will need to do about it.

What’s Changing with Docker?

Kubernetes deprecating Docker is actually not as big of a deal as it sounds, so let’s talk about what is really going on here.

Kubernetes is removing support for Docker as a container runtime. Kubernetes does not actually handle the process of running containers on a machine. Instead, it relies on another piece of software called a container runtime.

The container runtime runs containers on a host, and Kubernetes tells the container runtime on each host what to do. You can actually choose from a variety of options when it comes to what software you want to use as your container runtime when running Kubernetes. Up to now, a fairly popular option was to use Docker as the container runtime.

However, this will no longer be an option in the future. You will still be able to use Docker in other ways that are relevant to Kubernetes (more on that in a moment), but you will not be able to use Docker as the container runtime underneath Kubernetes.

Why is Kubernetes Deprecating Docker?

Kubernetes has supported using Docker a container runtime up to this point, so why are they choosing to stop supporting it?

Kubernetes works with all container runtimes that implement a standard known as the Container Runtime Interface (CRI). This is essentially a standard way of communicating between Kubernetes and the container runtime, and any runtime that supports this standard automatically works with Kubernetes.

Docker does not implement the Container Runtime Interface (CRI). In the past, there weren’t as many good options for container runtimes, and Kubernetes implemented the Docker shim, an additional layer to serve as an interface between Kubernetes and Docker. Now, however, there are plenty of runtimes available that implement the CRI, and it no longer makes sense for Kubernetes to maintain special support for Docker.

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What’s Really Going On?

To really understand why it makes sense for Kubernetes to deprecate Docker, we need to go a little deeper.

I’ll let you in on a secret: Docker is not actually a container runtime! It’s actually a collection of tools that sits on top of a container runtime called containerd.

That’s right! Docker does not run containers directly. It simply creates a more human-accessible and feature-rich interface on top of a separate, underlying container runtime. When it is used as a container runtime for Kubernetes, Docker is just a middle-man between Kubernetes and containerd.

However, Kubernetes can use containerd directly as a container runtime, meaning Docker is no longer needed in this middle-man role. Docker still has a lot to offer, even in a Kubernetes ecosystem. It’s just not needed specifically as a container runtime.

What’s the Role of Docker Going Forward?

Although Docker is not needed as a container runtime in Kubernetes, it still has a role to play in the Kubernetes ecosystem, and in your workflow.

Docker is still going strong as a tool for developing and building container images, as well as running them locally. Kubernetes can still run containers built using Docker’s Open Container Initiative (OCI) image format, meaning you can still use Dockerfiles and build your container images using Docker.

Kubernetes will also continue to be able to pull from Docker registries (such as Docker hub). This means that Docker will remain a powerful contender when it comes to managing the images once they are built.

All in all, Docker will continue to be a useful tool on your development workflows and continuous integration (CI) systems, even if you don’t need it to run your containers underneath Kubernetes in production.

Containerd and CRI-O: Docker Alternatives

If you are currently using Docker as a container runtime in your Kubernetes environment, you will need to make some changes. Moving forward, you can simply eliminate Docker as a middle-man in your Kubernetes environment. Instead, use another container runtime, such as containerd or CRI-O.

Before upgrading to a Kubernetes version removes support for Docker (which is currently estimated to release in late 2021), you will need to modify (or replace) existing Kubernetes nodes so that they use a supported container runtime other than Docker. Starting now, you may want to start building any new nodes so that they use a non-Docker container runtime as well.

Other than that, nothing is really changing. You can continue to use Docker to build your images, as well as to run containers locally for development purposes, or in your continuous integration (CI) stack. You can also continue to use Docker registries to store and manage your images.

If you are interested in learning how to use containerd alongside Kubernetes, check out my new course, Introduction to Kubernetes. It includes lessons that will walk you through the process of installing containerd and using it in your Kubernetes cluster.

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