Kubernetes – API Server

The Kubernetes API Server is a component of the Kubernetes control plane that provides a way for users, applications, and other components to interact with the Kubernetes system. It exposes the Kubernetes API, which allows users to create, modify, and delete Kubernetes objects such as pods, services, and deployments.

Here are some key features and responsibilities of the Kubernetes API Server:

• API endpoint: The API Server provides a single endpoint for users and applications to interact with the Kubernetes system. This endpoint can be accessed using various tools and libraries, including the kubectl command-line tool.
• Object validation: The API Server validates all requests to ensure that they are well-formed and comply with the Kubernetes API schema. It also ensures that the requested operations are permitted based on the user’s permissions.
• Authentication and authorization: The API Server authenticates users and applications that access the Kubernetes API and enforces access control policies to ensure that only authorized users can perform specific operations.
• Resource management: The API Server manages the lifecycle of Kubernetes objects, including creating, updating, and deleting them. It also enforces consistency and correctness of the Kubernetes objects across the system.
• Event notification: The API Server emits events when Kubernetes objects are created, updated, or deleted. These events can be used to monitor and track changes to the system.
• Extension points: The API Server provides extension points for developers to add custom resources, controllers, and admission webhooks to the Kubernetes system.

Overall, the Kubernetes API Server plays a critical role in providing a unified interface for interacting with the Kubernetes system. Its responsibilities range from authentication and authorization to resource management and event notification, and it is a key component in the reliable operation of a Kubernetes cluster.