Linkerd Support: How to Find It and Get the Most from It

You're working on your Linkerd implementation, maybe configuring the settings, deploying new services, or updating the mesh, but something goes wrong. Now, you're stuck and need to fix it quickly.

What are your options for getting support for your Linkerd implementation?

Google search is the first answer.

But there is no way to know if the answer is up to date, correct, or compatible with your project. In this article, I will help you to find the best Linkerd support that helps you and answer your questions.

Identifying Your Support Needs

Asking for support could be challenging if you don't know what you want. First, you need to identify the specific issues you are facing with your service mesh. After knowing the issue, you have to look for the best way to get the help that you need.

Consider asking these questions to yourself:

Are you struggling with the Linkerd setup and wondering how to make it work? You need a service consultant who is proficient in Linkerd. They will do it for you.
Do you have a specific Linkerd question you need answering? A support forum or Linkerd Slack channel might be a good source of support.
Do you want to build an in-house team to support Linkerd's needs? You might need a tutorial or training course.
Do you want to learn about some specific Linkerd actions? Try the official documentation.
Do you need a question answered quickly or get an instant fix? You may need to take premium Linkerd support.
Is there a need to take the service mesh to the next level? You would need the experts to scale your Linkerd setup.

Your requirements depend on your project. Understanding what you need will help you identify the best source of support. So let's start with the official sources of support, which are the starting point for many new Linkerd users.

#1 Linkerd Support: Official Sources

The Linkerd.io website has a number of support sources that should be the first place to go when you are having a question about Linkerd.

#1.1 Documentation

The Documentation is aimed mainly at developers. It's the official guide to the code that underpins Linkerd. It includes advice on Linkerd coding standards, installations, and demos. Some sections entail all the features, and tasks and cover frequently asked questions. For any developer, searching the doc should be the first step when looking to solve a Linkerd issue.

#1.2 Blogs

Linkerd runs a highly active blog. These articles cover updates, best practices, tutorials, and advice related to Linkerd service mesh. If you are not looking for specific issues but only want to improve your Linkerd knowledge, check the blog regularly.

#1.3 Slack Channel

The Linkerd Slack channel is a great place to know updates and get your problems solved by experts. You can join the official Slack channel for the Linkerd project, which is open to anyone with a professional email account. Find out what's going on with Linkerd and join in the discussions about its development.

#1.4 Github Discussion

GitHub is where developers hang out; for Linkerd issues, you can visit the Linkerd GitHub page. On this page, people can open a discussion, check out old conversation, find a solution to their problems, and also offer helps to other Linkerd users. Opening the ticket allows the Linkerd development team and other contributors to review and address your issue.

#2 Linkerd Forums and Communities

As well as official sources of support, there are forums, groups, and channels you can use to get answers to your Linkerd question. These are aimed at everyone from beginners to experienced developers, and part of the challenge is finding one at the right level for you.

#2.1 StackOverflow

StackOverflow is a popular forum for web developers, not just Linkerd users. It could be quite daunting to beginner DevOps and developers. The members are highly experienced developers who can answer specific and complex questions. But it can also be difficult to identify which answer will work for you, as you'll often find multiple responses to a question. However, there is a voting system to find a better answer. Also, you will find it more helpful to use Google and add the 'stackoverflow' in your query to find the solution quickly.

#2.2 Reddit

There is a subreddit of Linkerd, which is also a great source of information. The subreddit is highly active, and users share various resources. You can leave your problems and questions there and someone will surely help you out.

#2.3 Udemy

If you want training, Udemy is the best platform for video courses on Linkerd. Udemy courses on Linkerd are created by expert instructors who have experience working with Linkerd and are knowledgeable about the platform. The training includes hands-on exercises and projects, allowing learners to practice what they have learned in a real-world context.

#2.4 Linkerd Forum

Linkerd discourse forum is an online discussion platform where developers and users can ask and answer questions, share knowledge, and discuss topics related to Linkerd. It is a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about Linkerd, and get help with issues, or share their experiences.

How to Use Forums and Groups?

To effectively use Linkerd support forums and groups, here are some tips to follow:

Find the appropriate forum or group: Various online communities are dedicated to Linkerd. Choose a group or forum that aligns with your interests or specific needs. For example, the Linkerd discourse forum is a great place to start, as it's an official community where users can ask and answer questions and share their experiences.
Search for existing threads: Before posting a question, search for existing threads with the needed information. The search function can save time and help you quickly find relevant information.
Review the community guidelines: Check if the group or forum has any specific rules or guidelines you should follow. This could include rules around self-promotion or posting frequency. Adhering to the guidelines can help you avoid getting kicked out of the community.
Be respectful and polite: Remember that other users in the community are volunteering their time and expertise to help others. Show your appreciation by being respectful and polite when asking for help. Avoid making demands or being rude if you don't receive a response.
Be specific with your questions: Be clear and specific to increase the chances of getting a helpful response. Provide relevant context, code snippets, and any error messages you might receive. This can help others understand your problem and provide better solutions.

Premium Linkerd Support

If you require access to dedicated support with quicker response times, consider paying for premium support services. Some companies offer paid support packages that provide faster response times 24/7 and the opportunity for one-on-one conversations with a dedicated support representative.

Linkerd recommends Buoyant and InfraCloud for commercial Linkerd support.

Buoyant: Buoyant is the creator and primary maintainer of Linkerd. They understand the project to the core. As the maintainers, they are the ones who write the code and fix the bugs of Linkerd. So you can be sure that they provide excellent Linkerd support.

InfraCloud: Another one is InfraCloud, which also provides enterprise-grade Linkerd support with 24/7 support SLA. InfraCloud also provides many IT services and has a wide range of experience in managing infrastructure besides Linkerd.

Before you opt for commercial Linkerd support, it's important to research the provider to ensure they meet your needs and budget.

Summary

It's common to feel overwhelmed by the numerous sources of Linkerd support available. However, if you clearly understand your support needs and objectives, you can choose the support resource that best fits your requirements.

Take the time to research and evaluate each resource to determine which one will help you most effectively address your questions or resolve issues. You can get the most out of your Linkerd experience by selecting the right support resource.