What are Kubernetes manifests?
Kubernetes manifests are configuration files written in YAML or JSON format that define the desired state of a Kubernetes resource. They are blueprints for configuring and operating applications, services, and other components. By enabling declarative configuration, manifests allow us to specify the system’s desired state, and Kubernetes automatically manages and corrects any deviations to maintain that state. Unlike the imperative approach, which requires direct commands to modify resources, declarative manifests ensure deployments are more predictable and repeatable, providing consistency across environments. Manifests facilitate automation, seamlessly integrating with CI/CD pipelines and other tools to streamline workflows.
Kubernetes manifests can define various resource types according to an application or cluster’s specific needs. Common resource types include Pods, Deployments, Services, Ingress, ConfigMaps, Secrets, PVCs, Jobs...