What is the difference between traffic splitting and canary releases in Kubernetes?

What is the difference between traffic splitting and canary releases in Kubernetes?

Traffic splitting allows you to distribute traffic between multiple versions of an application, while canary releases involve deploying a new version to a small subset of users before a full rollout.

Can you explain how traffic splitting works in more detail?

Sure! Traffic splitting can be implemented using tools like Istio or Kubernetes' native features, allowing you to define rules for how requests are routed to different versions based on percentages or other criteria.

What are the benefits of using canary releases?

Canary releases help minimize risk by allowing you to test new features with a small audience, monitor performance, and quickly roll back if issues arise.

Are there any downsides to using traffic splitting?

Yes, traffic splitting can introduce complexity in managing multiple versions and may require additional monitoring to ensure performance is consistent across them.