Description: Kubernetes Ingress is an API object that manages external access to services in a Kubernetes cluster. It allows defining routing rules to direct traffic to internal services based on the URL or host of the request. This is particularly useful in environments where multiple applications and services are running, as it facilitates exposing these through a single IP address. Ingress acts as an entry controller, allowing users to configure access to their applications flexibly and scalably. Additionally, it can integrate with load balancers and provides advanced features such as SSL termination, authentication, and traffic redirection. Its use optimizes traffic management and enhances security by centralizing access to services, which is crucial in microservices architectures and cloud environments. In summary, Ingress is an essential tool for container orchestration, enabling efficient and secure management of traffic to applications deployed in Kubernetes.
History: Ingress was introduced in Kubernetes in version 1.0, released in July 2015. Since its inception, it has evolved to include various features and enhancements, driven by the growing adoption of Kubernetes in the industry. Over the years, multiple Ingress controllers have been developed, each with specific features that cater to different deployment needs and cloud environments.
Uses: Ingress is primarily used to manage external access to applications and services in a Kubernetes cluster. It allows developers and administrators to define routing rules, facilitating the exposure of multiple services through a single IP address. It is also used to implement security features such as SSL termination and authentication, thereby enhancing the protection of applications.
Examples: A practical example of Ingress is its use in an application that has several microservices, such as a catalog service, a payment service, and a user service. With Ingress, rules can be defined so that requests to ‘www.example.com/catalog’ are directed to the catalog service, while requests to ‘www.example.com/payments’ are directed to the payment service, all through a single public IP.
