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Kubernetes fundamentals

The true beginner course. No prior Kubernetes needed: it starts from what a container is and why Kubernetes exists, then walks one small app all the way through running, configuring, connecting, and storing — one bite-sized topic at a time, each opening with a plain-language analogy before any YAML.

Beginner6 sections · 24 lessons · ~5h total · 57-question self-test

01

First steps

5 lessonsTest yourself

01What Kubernetes isThe problem it solves, in plain terms.8 min 02Containers in a nutshellThe thing Kubernetes actually runs.8 min 03The cluster: control plane & nodesThe two halves of every cluster.10 min 04Meet kubectlThe remote control for your cluster.10 min 05Your first podRun something, then look at it.10 min

02

Running your app

6 lessonsTest yourself

01Pods, a little deeperWhat is really inside a pod.10 min 02ReplicaSets: keeping copies aliveHow Kubernetes keeps N running.8 min 03Deployments: the one you will useManaging pods the normal way.10 min 04Scaling up and downMore copies, fewer copies, on demand.8 min 05Self-healingWhat happens when something crashes.8 min 06Updating without downtimeShip a new version, and undo it.10 min

03

Configuring your app

4 lessonsTest yourself

01Labels and selectorsThe stickers that connect everything.8 min 02Health checksLiveness and readiness, gently.10 min 03ConfigMaps: settings outside the imageOne image, many environments.10 min 04Secrets: handling passwordsLike config, but sensitive.8 min

04

Connecting your app

4 lessonsTest yourself

01Why pods need a ServicePods move; a Service stays put.10 min 02The kinds of ServiceClusterIP, NodePort, LoadBalancer.10 min 03Finding things by nameCluster DNS, simply.8 min 04Ingress: one front doorHTTP routing for the web.10 min

05

Data & organization

4 lessonsTest yourself

01Volumes: keeping files aroundWhy container storage vanishes.10 min 02Persistent storageLockers that outlive the pod.10 min 03Namespaces: tidy roomsDividing one cluster into spaces.8 min 04Requests & limitsBeing a good neighbor.10 min

06

Where to go next

1 lessonTest yourself

01Where to go nextYour path beyond the basics.6 min

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Final exam

Test yourself on everything

57 questions drawn from all 6 sections — every answer explained as you pick.

Start final exam