This project introduces a C++ implementation of AWS IAM authentication for Kafka clients connecting to MSK clusters, eliminating the need for static username/password credentials. The code provides an AwsMskIamSigner class that generates signed SASL/SCRAM parameters using the AWS SDK for C++, allowing secure and temporary authentication against MSK brokers. This implementation offers a more robust and secure approach compared to traditional password-based authentication, leveraging AWS's existing IAM infrastructure for access control.
The blog post explores the performance limitations of Kafka when dealing with small messages and high throughput. The author systematically benchmarks Kafka's performance under various configurations, focusing on the impact of message size, batching, compression, and acknowledgment settings. They discover that while Kafka excels with larger messages, its performance degrades significantly with smaller payloads, especially when acknowledgements are required. This degradation stems from the overhead associated with network round trips and metadata management, which outweighs the benefits of Kafka's design in such scenarios. Ultimately, the post concludes that while Kafka remains a powerful tool, it's not ideally suited for all use cases, particularly those involving small messages and strict latency requirements.
HN users generally agree with the author's premise that Kafka's complexity makes it a poor choice for simple tasks. Several commenters shared anecdotes of simpler, more efficient solutions they'd used in similar situations, including Redis, SQLite, and even just plain files. Some argued that the overhead of managing Kafka outweighs its benefits unless you have a genuine need for its distributed, fault-tolerant nature. Others pointed out that the article focuses on a very specific, low-throughput use case and that Kafka shines in different scenarios. A few users mentioned kdb+ as a viable alternative for high-performance, low-latency needs. The discussion also touched on the challenges of introducing and maintaining Kafka, including the need for dedicated expertise.
Summary of Comments ( 1 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43284293
Hacker News users discussed the complexities and nuances of AWS IAM authentication with Kafka. Several commenters praised the project for tackling a difficult problem and providing a valuable resource, while also acknowledging that the AWS documentation in this area is lacking and can be confusing. Some pointed out potential issues and areas for improvement, such as error handling and the use of
boost::beastinstead of the AWS SDK. The discussion also touched on the challenges of securely managing secrets and credentials, and the potential benefits of using alternative authentication methods like mTLS. A recurring theme was the desire for simpler, more streamlined authentication mechanisms within the AWS ecosystem.The Hacker News post "Show HN: C++ AWS MSK IAM Auth Implementation – Goodbye Kafka Passwords" linking to a C++ AWS MSK IAM authentication implementation sparked a small discussion with a few noteworthy comments.
One commenter expressed appreciation for the project, highlighting the difficulty and lack of clear documentation for implementing IAM authentication with AWS MSK, particularly in C++. They mentioned struggling with this task themselves and welcomed a readily available solution. This comment underscores the value of the project in addressing a real-world challenge faced by developers working with AWS MSK and C++.
Another commenter questioned the necessity of a dedicated C++ implementation, suggesting that using a Java client with existing IAM support and communicating with it through JNI might be a simpler approach. This prompted a response from the original poster (OP) explaining their reasoning for choosing a native C++ implementation. The OP stated that their application is performance-sensitive and using JNI would introduce unacceptable overhead. They also mentioned concerns about the operational complexity of managing a separate JVM process. This exchange highlights the performance considerations and operational trade-offs involved in choosing between native and JVM-based solutions.
Further discussion revolved around the use of the AWS SDK for C++, with one user asking about the specific AWS SDK version used. The OP clarified they were using AWS SDK for C++ version 1.9.200. This seemingly minor detail is relevant for anyone looking to reproduce or adapt the code, emphasizing the importance of version compatibility in software development.
Finally, a commenter mentioned using librdkafka for Kafka integration, which prompted the OP to explain why they opted for a custom implementation. The OP stated their need for specialized features not readily available in librdkafka. This exchange further clarifies the specific requirements motivating the project and differentiates it from existing Kafka client libraries.
Overall, the comments reveal the practical challenges faced by developers integrating with AWS MSK using IAM authentication, particularly in C++. The project is perceived as a valuable contribution by those who have encountered these challenges. The discussion also illuminates the decision-making process behind the project, including performance considerations and the need for specific features not readily available in existing libraries.