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Cracking the Kubernetes Interview
Cracking the Kubernetes Interview

Cracking the Kubernetes Interview: Discover expert tips and best practices to ace your Kubernetes technical interviews

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Profile Icon Viktor Vedmich Profile Icon Alexander Dovnar
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$44.99
Paperback Oct 2025 560 pages 1st Edition
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Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Viktor Vedmich Profile Icon Alexander Dovnar
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$44.99
Paperback Oct 2025 560 pages 1st Edition
eBook
$31.99 $35.99
Paperback
$44.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m
eBook
$31.99 $35.99
Paperback
$44.99
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Renews at $19.99p/m

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Cracking the Kubernetes Interview

Understanding Kubernetes from Containers to Orchestration

In today’s world, having strong engineering skills is crucial to career advancement. For DevOps professionals, architects, and developers, understanding complex systems orchestration tools such as Kubernetes is essential. To get the most out of this book, you should be comfortable using a command-line interface (CLI) and understand fundamental software development concepts such as applications and dependencies. Kubernetes is the foundation of modern container orchestration, where system agility and scalability are key. As microservices and distributed systems become the norm, mastering Kubernetes is an essential part of modern-day systems engineering and DevOps practices.

That’s where this book comes in. Rather than just providing answers, it delves into the reasoning behind those answers to help you build a strong understanding of Kubernetes. From the basics to complex orchestrated scenarios, this book ensures...

What are containers?

Today, containers are the core part of every modern software application development. There’s a constant need to deploy applications quickly, consistently, and scalably. Here’s where containers come into play. But before we delve into the world of containers, let’s start by understanding why we need them.

Think of a scenario where developers work on an application on their local machines, and everything seems to be running smoothly. However, when the application is deployed to a testing or production environment, they don’t work as expected. The common phrase, “but it works on my machine!” echoes. This is where containers come to the rescue, which is the key reason why companies today are eager to adopt them.

You can think about a container like a lightweight, standalone, and executable software package that includes everything needed to run a piece of software, including the code, runtime, system tools, system...

What is Kubernetes?

Kubernetes, often called k8s, is an open source system that helps manage containerized applications. It can be compared to a conductor leading an orchestra. Just as a conductor ensures every instrument plays in harmony, Kubernetes ensures all your containers work together smoothly. If something goes off-key, such as a container misbehaving, Kubernetes steps in to fix it, just like a conductor keeping the music on track.

Now, what does Kubernetes actually do for you?

  • Diverse deployment: Want to deploy an application to multiple locations while keeping it in sync? Kubernetes has you covered.
  • Mass updates: Need to roll out changes to hundreds of containers? Kubernetes ensures seamless updates across the board.
  • Scale on demand: Experiencing a traffic spike? Kubernetes can scale. During off-peak hours? It scales down.

Let’s dive into a few scenarios to understand the true potential of Kubernetes:

  • Multi-location deployment...

What components does Kubernetes consist of?

Uncovering the architectural anatomy of Kubernetes reveals a meticulously orchestrated system that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. This chapter gives you an aerial view of the core components forming a Kubernetes cluster, focusing on the control and worker nodes (data planes) and their integral parts.

A Kubernetes cluster primarily consists of two main components: the control plane and the worker nodes (data plane). Let’s explore these components and their roles in ensuring your Kubernetes cluster’s smooth operation. And remember, we’ll explore each component in Chapter 2.

Control plane

The control plane acts as the brain of the Kubernetes cluster, ensuring the maintenance of the cluster’s desired state. There are some important components of the control plane (we will dive deeper into their details in the next chapter):

  • API server: This hub...

Summary

In this chapter, we unraveled the essence of containers—self-contained units that revolutionize software management. We delved into the comparison of containers and VMs, highlighting the agility and efficiency of containers in deploying applications, and smoothly started to dive deeper into the main topic of this book, in the Kubernetes world.

We compared Kubernetes with the Docker Swarm and understood why Kubernetes emerges as a robust orchestrator, offering scalability, resilience, and automation capabilities that surpass alternative solutions for managing containerized workloads at scale.

As we transition to the next chapter, expect a closer look at the core elements shaping the Kubernetes landscape. We’ll dissect nodes, controllers, and more, demystifying the orchestration magic that propels containers into the heart of modern software deployment. The journey continues with a focus on the tools that empower seamless container orchestration.

...
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Key benefits

  • Get expert insights and detailed explanations of answers to essential Kubernetes interview questions
  • Explore strategies for navigating diverse Kubernetes interview scenarios
  • Tap into insider guidance from industry professionals with hands-on experience
  • Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Description

In the high-stakes world of cloud-native technologies, Kubernetes technical interviews are notoriously challenging, and theory-heavy resources leave candidates unprepared for real-world scenarios. This guide by Viktor Vedmich and Alexander Dovnar, two seasoned professionals with decades of combined experience in DevOps, AWS, and Kubernetes architecture, bridges that gap to help you unlock actionable strategies and insights to excel in even the toughest interviews. Beginning with core concepts such as Pods and Services, the book guides you through scaling, networking, GitOps, and deployment strategies. You’ll explore advanced topics, including security, observability, monitoring, and troubleshooting, all framed in the context of real-world interviews. Each chapter includes practical scenarios and authentic questions that test both your understanding and problem-solving skills. Rather than relying on rote memorization, this guide helps you develop the depth and confidence expected of top-tier Kubernetes professionals. By the end of this hands-on journey, you'll be ready to take on roles from junior DevOps engineer to senior architect, equipped with the practical expertise needed to stand out in today’s competitive hiring process.

Who is this book for?

This book is for software engineers, developers, DevOps professionals, SREs, and ML engineers aiming to level up their Kubernetes skills and secure roles involving designing, deploying, and managing applications in Kubernetes clusters. Whether you're new to Kubernetes or an experienced user, this book provides valuable insights and hands-on practice to excel in technical interviews and real-world applications. A basic understanding of Kubernetes, combined with a desire to enhance practical skills, will help you get the most out of this book.

What you will learn

  • Prepare effectively for scenario-based Kubernetes interview questions and challenges
  • Understand Kubernetes components and their interactions
  • Improve your theoretical knowledge and collaboration skills
  • Diagnose and resolve Kubernetes issues efficiently
  • Gain insights into common Kubernetes job roles and responsibilities
  • Apply best practices with real-world comparative examples
  • Build confidence to succeed in Kubernetes interviews for various job levels
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Publication date : Oct 30, 2025
Length: 560 pages
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Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781835460030
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Table of Contents

26 Chapters
Part 1: Introduction to Kubernetes Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding Kubernetes from Containers to Orchestration Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Kubernetes Key Components and Their Functions Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 2: Schedulers, Workloads, and Scaling Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Exploring Kubernetes Basics Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Principles of Scaling: Horizontal vs Vertical Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Autoscaling in Action Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 3: Networking, Services, and Security Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Essentials of Kubernetes Networking Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Kubernetes Network Architecture: Services and Ingresses Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Storage: Persistence and CSI Drivers Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Security Best Practices in Kubernetes and RBAC Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 4: Deployment, Application Management, and GitOps Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Real-World Deployment Scenarios and Continuous Deployment Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Understanding GitOps: Principles and Practices Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 5: Reliability, Monitoring, and Maintenance Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Custom Resource Definitions and Operators Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Ensuring High Availability and Reliability Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Monitoring Best Practices Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Backup, Maintenance, and Disaster Recovery in Kubernetes Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 6: Troubleshooting and Best Practices Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Real-World Troubleshooting Scenarios Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Interview Stories from Authors Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
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