Master Kubernetes Application Development: CKAD Certification Course

This introductory section sets the stage for your CKAD journey. You'll gain a clear understanding of the course structure, the CKAD exam, and the official curriculum. Discover the key motivating factors behind mastering Kubernetes and learn essential exam preparation strategies, including pre-exam and during-exam guidelines. The section concludes with valuable insights from the tech community and a guide to downloading course resources.

Delve into the critical aspects of Kubernetes architecture and installation. Explore the reasons behind Kubernetes' necessity and gain a thorough understanding of its core architecture. Dive deep into installation options, from managed services to manual implementations using Kubeadm. The section covers essential commands for Kubeadm installation and provides access to a valuable Digital Ocean referral link for managed Kubernetes clusters. You'll also learn how to access managed Kubernetes clusters and practice hands-on with the Kubeadm installation process.

This section focuses on the fundamentals of application design and build using Docker. You'll explore Docker image creation, Docker Hub repositories, and setting up your machine for a seamless Docker environment. Learn to push custom images to Docker Hub and build your own Docker images using Dockerfiles. Through practical assignments and solutions, you'll gain hands-on experience with Docker image creation and modification. The section then introduces you to the world of Kubernetes APIs, Pods, and YAML/JSON formats. You'll become proficient in using Kubectl commands for managing Pods and gain valuable experience with Kubernetes CLI practice. Explore the concept of multi-container Pods, including sidecar, ambassador, adapter, and init containers. Gain a solid understanding of Kubernetes Jobs and CronJobs, and learn how to leverage volumes for persistent data storage. Finally, you'll delve into the world of Persistent Volumes and Persistent Volume Claims, allowing you to manage persistent data within your Kubernetes environment.

In this section, you'll learn how to deploy applications to Kubernetes with confidence. Explore the concept of Deployments in Kubernetes and understand the role of labels and label selectors. You'll gain hands-on experience with deploying applications and mastering deployment strategies like recreate, rolling updates, and rollbacks. Dive into the world of canary and blue-green deployments, allowing for seamless application updates and minimal downtime. The section then introduces you to HELM, a powerful tool for packaging and deploying Kubernetes applications. Learn how to install and use HELM to deploy third-party applications and effectively package your own applications for seamless deployment.

This section delves into the critical aspects of application observability and maintenance within a Kubernetes environment. Learn how to ensure the health and stability of your applications through Liveness and Readiness Probes, using practical examples and demonstrations. Explore the concepts of Kubernetes monitoring and its various layers and metrics. Discover essential Kubernetes monitoring tools, including Metric Server, and learn how to monitor various Kubernetes cluster components. Dive into logging pipelines and learn how to manage logs effectively in a Kubernetes cluster. Practice troubleshooting application and cluster failures, equipping you with the necessary skills to address common issues and maintain a healthy Kubernetes environment.

This section explores the important aspects of configuring and securing your Kubernetes applications. Learn about Custom Resource Definitions (CRDs) and their role in extending Kubernetes functionality. Understand the concept of access control in Kubernetes, including authentication, authorization, and admission control. Explore resource requests and limits, and gain experience with configuring resource quotas for efficient resource allocation. Master the use of ConfigMaps and Secrets to manage application configurations and sensitive data securely. Dive deep into Pod and container security contexts, providing you with the necessary tools to secure your applications within the Kubernetes environment. Finally, learn how to leverage Service Accounts to control access to Kubernetes resources.

This section focuses on the essential concepts of Services and networking in Kubernetes. Gain a clear understanding of the role of services in exposing and accessing applications within your cluster. Practice creating services and endpoints, and explore different service types, including ClusterIP, NodePort, and LoadBalancer. Learn how to use selectors to dynamically manage endpoints and master the intricacies of networking policies. You'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage network communication within your Kubernetes environment.

This final section provides a comprehensive guide to help you succeed in the CKAD exam. Learn how to set up your exam environment effectively and create Kubernetes YAML configuration files using the CLI. Discover essential imperative commands for the CKAD exam and gain insights from frequently asked questions. The section concludes with valuable tips and encouragement to help you stay focused and confident as you prepare for your CKAD certification journey.