Preface
With more than 20 releases to date, Kubernetes is as hot as ever, even several years after its initial appearance in 2014. Kubernetes, along with other cloud-native technologies, is massively reshaping the IT landscapes in some of the most advanced and progressive companies around the world.
According to the 10th annual Open Source Jobs Report by the Linux Foundation, cloud and containers are highlighted as the most demanded skills categories. Hence, having a strong command of Kubernetes and cloud-native skills is essential for advancing your career and working at some of the best organizations today. Becoming a certified Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate helps you to stand out and prove your competence in the field.
This book will take you on a cloud-native journey from the very beginning and will teach you both the theoretical and practical aspects of Kubernetes. You’ll learn how to build, configure, and run containers with Docker; how to bootstrap minimal Kubernetes clusters; how to deploy, configure, and manage containerized applications with Kubernetes; how to automate software delivery with CI/CD, and much more. You’ll build a solid foundation to pass the KCNA exam on the first attempt and get a well-rounded view of today’s industry standards.
The book is divided into five parts:
- The Cloud Era
- Performing Container Orchestration
- Learning Kubernetes Fundamentals
- Exploring Cloud Native
- KCNA Exam and Next Steps
In the first part, you’ll be introduced to cloud native computing, explaining how the industry evolved and why modern applications often run in containers. Next, you’ll learn about Docker and get hands-on with running containers locally.
In Part 3, the largest part, you’ll learn about Kubernetes: its features, architecture, API, and components. You’ll find the best practices, recap questions, and lots of practical assignments to support your journey. In Part 4, we’ll focus on cloud-native architectures and other technologies from the cloud-native ecosystem. We’ll see how to monitor, observe, and deliver cloud-native applications. Finally, in Part 5, you’ll find mock exams and tips on passing KCNA, as well as some advice on how to proceed after becoming certified.