Docker Kubernetes Training in Ameerpet - Docker Kubernetes Course
                     Difference Between
StatefulSet and Deployment
in Kubernetes
A Comparative Overview
www.visualpath.in +91-7032290546
Introduction to Kubernetes Workloads
 Kubernetes provides multiple ways to manage 
application workloads.
 Two major controllers: Deployment and StatefulSet
• Choosing the right one depends on the app’s needs 
(e.g., stateless vs. stateful).
www.visualpath.in +91-7032290546
What is a Deployment?
 Designed for stateless applications
 Manages ReplicaSets and ensures the 
desired number of pods are running.
 Supports rolling updates, rollback, scaling
• Pods are interchangeable – no identity 
retained.
www.visualpath.in +91-7032290546
What is a StatefulSet?
 Designed for stateful applications like databases.
 Each pod has a unique identity (name + persistent 
volume).
 Pods are created, scaled, and deleted in order.
• Used when persistent storage and identity are 
required.
www.visualpath.in +91-7032290546
Key Differences (Tabular Format)
Feature Deployment StatefulSet
Pod Identity Not preserved Unique, stable
Pod Names Random Predictable (pod-0)
Volume Persistence Shared / Ephemeral Dedicated, persistent
Scaling Order Parallel Sequential
Use Case Stateless apps Stateful apps
www.visualpath.in +91-7032290546
Use Cases for Deployment
 Web frontends (NGINX, React, etc.)
 REST APIs
 Microservices without local state
• Background jobs
www.visualpath.in +91-7032290546
Use Cases for StatefulSet
 Databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
 Queues (Kafka, RabbitMQ)
 Clusters with leader election (ZooKeeper, 
etcd)
• Applications that need sticky identity.
www.visualpath.in +91-7032290546
Visual Comparison Diagram
Side-by-side illustration:
oDeployment: Pod replicas all equal, ephemeral
o StatefulSet: Pod replicas with identity & volume
(Use visuals to enhance understanding — 
Kubernetes pod icons, etc.)
www.visualpath.in +91-7032290546
Summary and Takeaway
 Deployment = stateless, interchangeable pods
 StatefulSet = stateful, stable pods with identity
 Choose based on whether your app needs 
storage and identity
• Understanding this helps in designing scalable 
and reliable apps in Kubernetes.
www.visualpath.in +91-7032290546
For More Information About 
Docker and Kubernetes
Address:- Flat no: 205, 2nd Floor,
   Nilagiri Block, Aditya Enclave,  Ameerpet, Hyderabad-16
   Ph. No: +91-998997107
     Visit: www.visualpath.in
      E-Mail: [email protected]
www.visualpath.in +91-7032290546
Thank You
Visit: www.visualpath.in 
www.visualpath.in +91-7032290546