Kubernetes Foundations: Architecture and Core Concepts

Packt via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

8 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

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Kubernetes has become the industry standard for container orchestration, enabling organizations to deploy, manage, and scale containerized applications efficiently. This course introduces learners to Kubernetes fundamentals, architecture, and practical deployment patterns, providing a solid foundation for running real-world applications. You will learn about Kubernetes architecture, from container images to running pods, and gain hands-on experience installing your first cluster. The course also covers running single and multi-container pods, design patterns, namespaces, resource quotas, ConfigMaps, secrets, and exposing pods with services to enable multi-tenant and secure deployments. What sets this course apart is its focus on foundational concepts combined with practical exercises, giving learners the knowledge and confidence to manage and deploy containerized applications in Kubernetes clusters. The hands-on approach ensures learners can immediately apply concepts in real-world environments. This course is ideal for developers, DevOps engineers, and IT professionals seeking to build foundational Kubernetes skills. Basic knowledge of containers, Docker, and Linux is recommended for the best learning experience. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization.

Syllabus

Kubernetes Fundamentals

This module introduces the foundational concepts of Kubernetes, including its role in container orchestration, the evolution from monolithic to microservices architectures, and the shift to cloud-native development. Learners will explore how Kubernetes addresses modern DevOps challenges, supports agile methodologies, and enables scalable, production-ready application deployment.

Kubernetes Architecture – from Container Images to Running Pods

This module introduces the foundational architecture of Kubernetes, detailing the roles of control plane and compute node components. Learners will gain hands-on experience managing clusters using kubectl and YAML, and understand how container images are orchestrated into running pods. Practical guidance on local cluster setup and declarative configuration is also provided.

Installing Your First Kubernetes Cluster

This module guides learners through the process of setting up their first Kubernetes cluster using tools like minikube and kind. You will explore different installation methods across operating systems, configure access with kubeconfig, and manage multiple clusters for local development. By the end, you'll be able to create, access, and clean up local Kubernetes environments confidently.

Running Your Containers in Kubernetes

This module introduces the foundational concepts of managing application containers in Kubernetes using Pods. Learners will explore how to launch, label, and organize Pods, access them within and outside the cluster, and utilize advanced resources like Jobs and CronJobs for automation. By the end, you'll understand how to effectively deploy and manage containerized workloads in a Kubernetes environment.

Using Multi-Container Pods and Design Patterns

This module delves into the use of multi-container Pods in Kubernetes, highlighting key design patterns such as Ambassador and Sidecar. Learners will gain hands-on experience with shared volumes, initContainers, troubleshooting container launches, and accessing container logs for efficient application deployment.

Namespaces, Quotas, and Limits for Multi-Tenancy in Kubernetes

This module introduces the use of Kubernetes namespaces for organizing resources and managing multi-tenancy. Learners will explore how to configure ResourceQuota and LimitRange to control resource consumption, and understand the impact of these settings on cluster management. Practical skills include creating, listing, and managing resources within namespaces and applying quotas and limits effectively.

Configuring Your Pods Using ConfigMaps and Secrets

This module guides learners through managing application configurations in Kubernetes using ConfigMaps and Secrets. You will discover how to securely inject configuration data and sensitive information into Pods, both as environment variables and mounted files. By the end, you'll be able to implement dynamic and secure deployment practices for containerized applications.

Exposing Your Pods with Services

This module introduces the fundamentals of exposing Kubernetes Pods using Services, including the differences between NodePort, ClusterIP, LoadBalancer, and ExternalName types. Learners will explore how Services enable reliable communication and access, manage traffic, and ensure high availability within and outside the cluster. Practical guidance on YAML configuration, DNS naming, and debugging techniques is also provided.