How do ConfigMaps improve test execution in Testkube?

By externalizing parameters, Testkube tests can adapt to different clusters or environments without duplicating definitions, ensuring consistency and reducing maintenance.

ConfigMap

Stores configuration data in Kubernetes. Testkube can read config values from ConfigMaps for test executions.

What Does ConfigMap Mean?

A ConfigMap is a Kubernetes object used to store non-confidential configuration data in key-value pairs. Instead of hardcoding configuration into container images, teams can externalize settings into ConfigMaps for more flexible deployments.

Why ConfigMaps Matter

ConfigMaps make Kubernetes applications more portable and manageable. By separating configuration from application code:

Teams can reuse the same container image across environments.
Developers can adjust settings without rebuilding or redeploying applications.
Ops teams can manage application behavior through Kubernetes-native resources.

How ConfigMaps Work in Kubernetes

ConfigMaps can be mounted as environment variables, configuration files, or command-line arguments inside a pod. This allows applications to read externalized data seamlessly. They are commonly used for:

Application settings like feature flags or URLs
Default parameters for jobs or workflows
Integration points across services

How ConfigMaps Work with Testkube

Testkube can reference values from ConfigMaps to provide dynamic configuration for test executions. This allows teams to:

Pass environment-specific parameters to tests
Reuse the same test definition across multiple clusters
Keep sensitive details separate by combining ConfigMaps with Secrets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ConfigMap in Kubernetes | Testkube Glossary

A ConfigMap stores non-sensitive configuration data in plain text, while a Secret is designed for sensitive information like passwords, tokens, or certificates.

Yes, ConfigMaps can be updated, but whether the changes are picked up depends on how the pod is consuming the ConfigMap. Some updates require a pod restart.

By default, Kubernetes limits the size of a ConfigMap to 1 MB. Larger configurations may need to be split or stored in external systems.

ConfigMaps are primarily for text-based configuration, but you can store binary data by encoding it (for example, with Base64).

Related Terms and Concepts

Cluster

A collection of machines running Kubernetes workloads. Testkube deploys executors and test pods into clusters to run tests.

Pod

The smallest deployable unit in Kubernetes, containing one or more containers. Testkube runs each test in its own pod for isolation and scalability.

Kubernetes

An open-source platform for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. Testkube runs tests directly inside Kubernetes for scalable, native execution.

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