Kubernetes & Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) Prep

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

14 hours 43 minutes
Sessions

On-Demand
Subtitles

English

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Overview

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This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This course prepares you for the Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) exam by covering key Kubernetes concepts and cloud-native technologies. You will explore the fundamentals of container orchestration, Kubernetes architecture, and essential components like pods, deployments, and services. Learn how to set up and manage Kubernetes clusters, configure networking, and implement best practices for security, including RBAC and network policies. With hands-on demonstrations, you'll dive into Kubernetes objects, storage, and services, while also gaining insights into cloud-native observability tools. This course is ideal for those preparing for the KCNA exam and IT professionals seeking to deepen their Kubernetes knowledge. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to deploy and manage Kubernetes clusters, secure applications, and utilize cloud-native tools for monitoring and application delivery.

Syllabus

Course Introduction

In this module, we will introduce you to the structure and goals of the Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) course. You’ll gain an understanding of the exam's format and content, while also learning about the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), its governance, and community involvement. This section provides a foundational overview that will guide your learning throughout the course.

Kubernetes Fundamentals

In this module, we will explore the fundamental concepts of Kubernetes, from the evolution of containers to the core benefits Kubernetes provides for container orchestration. You’ll learn about Kubernetes’ architecture, setup options, and why it has become the industry standard for container management. Additionally, we will walk through setting up a two-node Kubernetes cluster.

Kubernetes Objects

In this module, we will dive deep into the key Kubernetes objects that form the foundation of your applications. You’ll learn how objects like Pods, ReplicaSets, and Deployments work together to ensure efficient deployment and management of containerized applications. This section will also cover the essential role of namespaces and labels in organizing Kubernetes resources.

Kubernetes Networking

In this module, we will cover the various Kubernetes service types used to expose and manage network traffic within your Kubernetes cluster. You’ll learn how to configure and use ClusterIP, NodePort, and LoadBalancer services, and understand their use cases. Practical demonstrations will guide you through setting up and managing these services.

Kubernetes Manifest Files

In this module, we will explore how to develop and manage Kubernetes manifest files. You’ll learn the role of the Kubernetes API in defining objects and how to create YAML files that describe resources within the cluster. This section is essential for managing Kubernetes workloads effectively.

Useful Kubernetes Objects

In this module, we will explore more advanced Kubernetes objects, such as DaemonSets, Jobs, CronJobs, and StatefulSets, which are vital for managing specific types of workloads. You will also learn about ConfigMaps and Secrets for configuration management, and explore the usage of Init Containers for task initialization.

Scheduling

In this module, we will cover the core concepts of Kubernetes pod scheduling. You will learn how Kubernetes schedules workloads based on node characteristics, labels, and specific conditions like taints and tolerations. The module also covers Pod Disruption Budgets (PDBs) to maintain availability during node disruptions.

Storage

In this module, we will explore how Kubernetes handles storage for containers using volumes. You’ll learn about different volume types, Persistent Volumes, and the process of creating and using Persistent Volume Claims (PVCs). Additionally, we will introduce StatefulSets and Storage Classes for managing stateful applications and dynamic storage provisioning.

Security

In this module, we will cover essential security practices for Kubernetes clusters. You’ll learn how to use Network Policies to control traffic, implement RBAC for access control, and run security benchmarks using tools like Kube-bench. The module also demonstrates how to scan images and manifests for vulnerabilities to ensure secure applications.

Service Mesh

In this module, we will introduce service meshes, which manage communication and security between microservices in cloud-native applications. You’ll learn how service meshes provide traffic management, security, and observability in Kubernetes environments, which is essential for large-scale deployments.

Getting Started with Helm

In this module, we will dive into Helm, a powerful tool for managing Kubernetes applications. You will learn how to use Helm charts to simplify application deployment and management, and explore how to find and install charts from Artifact Hub for common Kubernetes applications.

Cloud Native Architecture

In this module, we will explore the principles of cloud-native architecture and how Kubernetes supports scalable, resilient applications. You will learn about autoscaling, serverless computing, and the importance of open standards for ensuring flexibility and interoperability in cloud-native environments.

Cloud Native Observability

In this module, we will focus on the key aspects of observability in Kubernetes, including monitoring and logging. You will learn about tools like Prometheus and Grafana for gathering and visualizing metrics, and how SLOs, SLIs, and SLAs help measure and improve system performance.

Cloud Native Application Delivery

In this module, we will explore cloud-native application delivery strategies, with a focus on GitOps for managing Kubernetes deployments. You will learn how Argo CD enables GitOps practices, providing a declarative approach to continuous delivery in cloud-native environments.

Understanding Docker (OPTIONAL)

In this optional module, we will introduce Docker and its importance in the container ecosystem. You will learn how Docker containers are created, managed, and integrated with Kubernetes for deploying applications. This module provides a solid foundation for understanding Docker's role in cloud-native environments.

Course Conclusion

In this concluding module, we will summarize the key takeaways from the course, providing you with a comprehensive review of Kubernetes and cloud-native technologies. We’ll also guide you on the next steps for continuing your journey toward Kubernetes certification and applying your knowledge in practical environments.