CKAD Application Design and Build Practice Question
Which kubectl command creates a pod named 'nginx' from the image 'nginx:latest'?
⚠ Common exam trap
The CKAD exam often tests the misconception that `kubectl run` always creates a Deployment, but in recent Kubernetes versions (1.18+) the default behavior creates a Pod directly. Additionally, both `kubectl run nginx --image=nginx:latest` and `kubectl run nginx --image=nginx:latest --restart=Never` create a Pod, so either is acceptable. Candidates may incorrectly assume only one is correct.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
kubectl run nginx --image=nginx:latest
`kubectl run nginx --image=nginx:latest` creates a Pod named 'nginx' by default in recent Kubernetes versions (1.18+). Option C is also correct: adding `--restart=Never` explicitly creates a Pod and is a common practice to ensure a Pod is created rather than a Deployment. Option B is wrong because `kubectl apply -f` requires a YAML file. Option D is wrong because `kubectl create pod` is not a valid subcommand; the correct imperative command is `kubectl run`.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
kubectl run nginx --image=nginx:latest
Why this is correct
Correct: This command creates a Pod named 'nginx' from the specified image in recent Kubernetes versions.
- ✗
kubectl apply -f pod.yaml
Why it's wrong here
Wrong: `kubectl apply -f` requires a pre-existing YAML file; it does not create a Pod directly from an image name.
- ✓
kubectl run nginx --image=nginx:latest --restart=Never
Why this is correct
Correct: `--restart=Never` ensures a Pod is created, and this command produces the same result as option A.
- ✗
kubectl create pod nginx --image=nginx:latest
Why it's wrong here
Wrong: `kubectl create pod` is not a valid subcommand; the correct imperative command is `kubectl run`.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CKAD practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CKAD exam.