Documentation Feedback: Koreo Controller Runtime Model Could Be Better Explained Up Front

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As a developer who has recently tested the Koreo project, I was excited to explore its concepts and features. However, I encountered several frustrating issues, particularly when trying to debug problems with namespaces and the runtime model of Koreo. In this article, I will provide feedback on how the documentation could be improved to better explain the runtime model and avoid similar issues for other users.

Understanding the Runtime Model

The Koreo controller, associated workflows/functions, and triggering CRDs must all be in the same namespace for things to work. This is not explicitly stated in the documentation, which can lead to confusion, especially for users who are new to the project. The advanced Hello Workload example, for instance, implies that Workload resources can be created in any namespace, and the subsequent deployment and service resources will be created in that namespace. However, this is not the case, and the controller and workflows must be installed in the same namespace as the Workload resource.

Misleading UI Behavior

The UI can also be misleading if you don't understand the runtime model up front. I encountered two scenarios that highlighted this issue:

Scenario 1: Controller and Workflows in the Same Namespace, Workload Instance in Separate Namespace

  • I installed the controller in the default namespace, thinking I could use a single controller instance for the entire cluster.
  • I enabled developer mode to ensure I didn't hit any RBAC issues during the test.
  • I had the workflow and its associated functions also in the default namespace, similarly thinking I could use them anywhere.
  • I created a Workload in namespace foo.
  • The UI showed my workflow under the default namespace with 0 instances.

I took this to mean that the controller wasn't working properly and/or that my CRD or workflow were misconfigured in some way. It was not at all obvious to me why the controller wouldn't be able to find the instance.

Scenario 2: Controller in Default Namespace, Workflows and Workload Instance in Same Namespace

  • I kept the controller as-is.
  • I moved the workflow and its associated functions to the foo namespace.
  • I created the Workload in the foo namespace.
  • The UI no longer showed any workflows under the default namespace (as expected).
  • The UI showed my workflow under the foo namespace and it showed it had 1 instance.

However, nothing actually got created, and expanding the workflow showed 0 managed resources. This threw me a bit, as I thought for sure that the fact that it found the instance meant the controller was happy, but I wasn't seeing any output and the controller logs weren't reporting any errors.

Improving the Documentation

To avoid similar issues for other users, I recommend that the documentation be improved to better explain the runtime model and its implications. Here are some suggestions:

  • Clearly state the namespace requirements: The documentation should explicitly state that the controller, associated workflows/functions, and triggering CRDs must all be in the same namespace for things to work.
  • **Provide examples that illustrate the namespace requirements The documentation should include examples that demonstrate the namespace requirements, such as the advanced Hello Workload example.
  • Highlight the implications of the namespace requirements: The documentation should explain the implications of the namespace requirements, such as the need to install the controller and workflows in the same namespace as the Workload resource.
  • Provide guidance on how to troubleshoot namespace-related issues: The documentation should provide guidance on how to troubleshoot namespace-related issues, such as checking the controller logs and verifying that the controller and workflows are installed in the correct namespace.

By improving the documentation to better explain the runtime model and its implications, the Koreo project can reduce the likelihood of users encountering frustrating issues and make it easier for them to get started with the project.

Conclusion

As a developer who has recently tested the Koreo project, I encountered several frustrating issues, particularly when trying to debug problems with namespaces and the runtime model of Koreo. In this article, I will provide answers to some frequently asked questions about the Koreo controller runtime model.

Q: What are the namespace requirements for the Koreo controller?

A: The Koreo controller, associated workflows/functions, and triggering CRDs must all be in the same namespace for things to work.

Q: Why do I need to install the controller and workflows in the same namespace as the Workload resource?

A: The controller and workflows need to be installed in the same namespace as the Workload resource because they need to communicate with each other to manage the Workload resource. If they are installed in different namespaces, the controller and workflows will not be able to find each other and will not be able to manage the Workload resource.

Q: What happens if I create a Workload resource in a different namespace than the controller and workflows?

A: If you create a Workload resource in a different namespace than the controller and workflows, the controller and workflows will not be able to find the Workload resource and will not be able to manage it. You will need to install the controller and workflows in the same namespace as the Workload resource for them to work properly.

Q: How do I troubleshoot namespace-related issues with the Koreo controller?

A: To troubleshoot namespace-related issues with the Koreo controller, you can check the controller logs to see if there are any errors related to namespace issues. You can also verify that the controller and workflows are installed in the correct namespace and that the Workload resource is created in the correct namespace.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with the Koreo controller?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with the Koreo controller include:

  • Installing the controller and workflows in different namespaces than the Workload resource
  • Creating a Workload resource in a different namespace than the controller and workflows
  • Not checking the controller logs for errors related to namespace issues
  • Not verifying that the controller and workflows are installed in the correct namespace and that the Workload resource is created in the correct namespace

Q: How can I improve the documentation for the Koreo controller?

A: To improve the documentation for the Koreo controller, you can:

  • Clearly state the namespace requirements for the controller and workflows
  • Provide examples that illustrate the namespace requirements
  • Highlight the implications of the namespace requirements
  • Provide guidance on how to troubleshoot namespace-related issues
  • Encourage users to provide feedback on the documentation to help improve it

Q: Where can I find more information about the Koreo controller?

A: You can find more information about the Koreo controller on the Koreo project website, including documentation, tutorials, and community forums. You can also reach out to the Koreo project team directly for more information and support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Koreo controller runtime model can be complex and challenging to work with, particularly when it comes to namespace-related issues. By understanding the namespace requirements and troubleshooting common issues, you can avoid frustrating problems and get the most out of the Koreo project. I hope that this FAQ article has been helpful in answering some of your questions about the Koreo controller runtime model.