Designing for OpenShift Operators
Automate the creation, configuration, and management of instances of Kubernetes-native applications
TL;DR
Red Hat OpenShift Operators are a way to automate the management of applications on OpenShift. Operators use custom resources to define and manage the application lifecycle. Operators can be used to manage anything from databases to applications.
Red Hat OpenShift Operators use custom resources to define and manage the application lifecycle. Custom resources are used to define the application's properties and the desired state.
Helpful links
Red Hat OpenShift: Operators Framework
Youtube video
PatternFly Design Kit
Sketch
What are Red Hat OpenShift Operators?
Red Hat OpenShift Operators are a way to automate the management of applications on OpenShift. Operators use custom resources to define and manage the application lifecycle. Operators can be used to manage anything from databases to applications.
Operators are built using the Operator Framework, which provides a toolkit for building, testing, packaging, and deploying operators. The Operator Framework includes several APIs that make it easier to interact with Kubernetes and manage resources.

Why use Red Hat OpenShift Operators?
Red Hat OpenShift Operators offer several benefits for product designers, including:
- Automation: Operators automate the management of applications, making it easier to deploy, manage, and scale applications on OpenShift.
- Consistency: Operators provide a consistent way to manage applications, regardless of the underlying infrastructure.
- Flexibility: Operators can be used to manage a wide range of applications, from databases to applications.
- Scalability: Operators can be used to automatically scale applications based on demand, making it easier to handle spikes in traffic.
How do Red Hat OpenShift Operators work?
Red Hat OpenShift Operators use custom resources to define and manage the application lifecycle. Custom resources are used to define the application's properties and the desired state.
The Operator Framework includes several APIs that make it easier to interact with Kubernetes and manage resources. These APIs can be used to manage resources, create custom resources, and reconcile the desired state with the actual state.
Operators use the Controller pattern to reconcile the desired state with the actual state. The Controller pattern watches for changes in the resources and takes actions to ensure that the resources are in the desired state.
Tips for designing Red Hat OpenShift Operators:
Here are some tips for product designers to keep in mind when designing Red Hat OpenShift Operators:
- Keep it simple: Start with a simple use case and build from there. Don't try to build a complex operator right away.
- Use the Operator Framework: Use the Operator Framework to build, test, package, and deploy your operator. The Operator Framework provides a set of tools and APIs that make it easier to create custom operators.
- Use custom resources: Use custom resources to define the application's properties and the desired state. Custom resources make it easier to manage applications on OpenShift.
- Use the Controller pattern: Use the Controller pattern to reconcile the desired state with the actual state. The Controller pattern watches for changes in the resources and takes actions to ensure that the resources are in the desired state.
- Test your operator: Test your operator thoroughly before deploying it to your OpenShift cluster. Use tools like Minikube or Kind to test your operator in a local environment.
Resources
If you're a product designer looking to get started with designing operators for Red Hat OpenShift, be sure to check out these design resources to help you get started quickly and easily:

Websites:
- Operator SDK: The Operator SDK is a set of tools that can help you quickly create and build your operator.
- Operator Lifecycle Manager: The Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM) extends Kubernetes to provide a declarative way to install, manage, and upgrade Operators on a cluster.
- OperatorHub.io: OperatorHub.io is a community-driven platform for sharing and discovering operators. Here, you can find existing operators that can serve as inspiration or be used as a starting point for your own custom operator.
- OpenShift documentation: The official OpenShift documentation is an excellent resource for learning about operators and how they work. This documentation includes detailed guides, examples, and best practices for designing, building, and deploying operators on OpenShift.
Articles:
By leveraging these design resources, you can accelerate your learning and development process, and start creating custom operators for OpenShift in no time.
Conclusion
Red Hat OpenShift Operators are a powerful tool for product designers to use in their work. By automating the management of applications on OpenShift, Operators make it easier to deploy, manage, and scale applications. With the right guidance and tools, product designers can create custom operators to manage their applications on OpenShift.