What is Kaniko?

Kaniko is a DevOps tool for building container images from a Dockerfile, inside a container or a Kubernetes cluster. Kaniko operates entirely in userspace which means it works independently of Docker. This allows you to build container images in any location where Docker cannot be accessed.

When should I use Kaniko?

If your Kubernetes platform is running version 1.24 or a newer version, Kubernetes has removed its support for Docker. This means it will no longer be possible to build container images in your current Continuous Integration, Deployment, and Delivery (CI/CD) using Docker. Kaniko provides you with the ability to continue using your existing infrastructure. A difference between Docker and Kaniko is that Kaniko by default builds and pushes one time for each layer in the Dockerfile, whereas Docker builds all layers and pushes once.

What are the benefits of using Kaniko?

The benefits of using Kaniko are that companies will not need to invest in developing and setting up dedicated infrastructure for building. In addition, the transition from Docker to Kaniko works seamlessly.

Another benefit of using Kaniko is that it enables you to reuse your existing Dockerfiles, thus eliminating the need to rewrite this part of your Infrastructure as Code (IaC).

How can Tech Chapter help you with Kaniko?

Tech Chapter’s DevOps consultants have extensive experience in providing professional advice and executing migrations from Docker to Kaniko - both in simple and more complex setups. Our DevOps experts will guide you in navigating the process from start to finish so your transition will be seamless.

Alternative solutions to Kaniko

There are alternative Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions to Kaniko. If SaaS is not an option, an alternative could be setting up a separate Docker platform. However, this solution can quickly become extensive and costly, counteracting the scalability benefits you would otherwise have by remaining on a unified platform.