This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Anil Kumar
Hello, Cloudees 
!
Today, let’s explore the key differences between ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐ด๐๐๐ & ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐!
When it comes to ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, everyone agrees on its importance. One best practice is to separate configuration data, such as user IDs, passwords, or other sensitive information, from the application code. But how can we achieve this? Thatโs where ConfigMaps and Secrets come into play!
Understanding ConfigMaps vs. Secrets
๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐ด๐๐๐:
A Kubernetes object for storing non-confidential configuration data (e.g., config files, URLs) as key-value pairs.
Characteristics:
1⃣ Stored in plain text.
2⃣ Allows configuring applications without modifying container images.
3⃣ No built-in encryption.
Pros:
Separates configuration data from application code.
Enables dynamic updates without rebuilding images or restarting applications.
Supports multiple key-value pairs.
Cons:
Not suitable for sensitive data.
Requires careful management to avoid outdated or inconsistent data.
Use Cases:
1) Environment variables.
2) Application settings.
3) External service URLs.
How to Create ConfigMaps (attached in picture format) :
- From literals (command line).
- From files: a) As environment variables. b) As mounted volumes. ———————— ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐:
A Kubernetes object designed to store sensitive data such as passwords, API keys, or tokens securely.
Characteristics:
1⃣ Stored as Base64-encoded strings.
2⃣ Used to pass sensitive data securely to applications.
3⃣ Supports encryption at rest (when API server encryption is enabled).
Pros:
Enhances security by managing sensitive data separately.
Provides fine-grained access control using RBAC.
Supports integration with external secret management tools (e.g., HashiCorp Vault).
Cons:
Base64 encoding is not true encryption and requires additional measures.
May require external tools for optimal security practices (e.g., encryption at rest).
Use Cases:
1) Database credentials.
2) OAuth tokens.
3) SSL/TLS certificates.
How to Create Secrets( attached in picture format):
- From literals (command line).
- From files:
a) As environment variables.
b) As mounted volumes.
————————
Key Notes
:
1⃣ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐: ConfigMaps and Secrets must be created first before they can be used in a Pod.
2⃣ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐๐๐:
1) Both can be mounted as volumes.
2) Ensure they are first mounted into the Pod as “volumes” before attaching them to containers as “volumeMounts” to avoid errors.
3⃣ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐:
Secrets are Base64-encoded, not encrypted by default. For enhanced security, enable encryption at rest or use external tools.
Comment your thoughts below! Letโs discuss more about Kubernetes and its powerful features.
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This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Anil Kumar