Kafka Installation and Setup
Welcome to the chapter on Kafka Installation and Setup. While most of this book is about using and understanding Kafka, it's also important to know how to install and configure this powerful streaming platform is the first and crucial step. In this chapter, we will explore the various prerequisites you need, look into different methods for installing Kafka, and help you configure and optimize the installation.
Prerequisites
Before we get started with the actual installation process, it's important to make sure that your system meets the necessary requirements. This will help ensure a smooth installation and operation of Kafka.
Hardware Requirements
Processor: A modern, multi-core processor, preferably with at least 4 cores for development and testing purposes.
Memory: Minimum 4GB RAM for development and testing. Production setups usually require at least 16GB.
Disk Space: A minimum of 5GB free disk space for a basic setup. However, the disk requirements can grow substantially depending on the volume of data you plan to manage.
Network: A stable network connection. High network latency can significantly impact Kafka’s performance.
Software Requirements
Operating System: Apache Kafka is compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows (using Windows Subsystem for Linux). However, a Linux-based OS is generally recommended for production.