CKAD Application Deployment Practice Question
Which THREE statements correctly describe Kustomize? (Select THREE.)
⚠ Common exam trap
CKAD often tests the misconception that Kustomize requires a server component (like a controller or admission webhook) to function, but in reality it is purely client-side and runs as part of `kubectl apply -k` or the standalone `kustomize build` command.
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
✓
Kustomize uses a kustomization.yaml file to define customization rules.
Option A is correct because Kustomize is driven by a kustomization.yaml file that declares the resources, bases, overlays, patches, and other customization rules for a given directory. Option D is correct because Kustomize natively supports both strategic merge patches (which merge by Kubernetes object schema and merge keys) and JSON patches (RFC 6902-style operations) to modify resources. Option E is correct because kubectl has built-in Kustomize support, so kubectl apply -k <directory> builds and applies the kustomization found in that directory. Option B is incorrect because Kustomize works with plain Kubernetes YAML manifests and is not limited to Helm charts; it can even be combined with Helm output via helm template. Option C is incorrect because Kustomize is a client-side, standalone binary (and is embedded in kubectl) with no separate server component required.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Kustomize uses a kustomization.yaml file to define customization rules.
Why this is correct
A kustomization.yaml file is Kustomize's declarative entry point, listing resources, patches, and generators that Kustomize applies to produce the final manifests. This directly satisfies the stem's requirement for a statement describing Kustomize's core mechanism, since every overlay and base depends on this file to define its customisation rules.
- ✗
Kustomize can only be used with Helm charts.
Why it's wrong here
Kustomize operates on plain Kubernetes YAML via kustomization.yaml overlays and is entirely independent of Helm; it can manage resources with no chart involved. It is tempting because both tools handle manifest templating and environment-specific configuration, so Kustomize would be the choice when you want chart-free overlay patching.
- ✗
Kustomize requires a separate server component to run.
Why it's wrong here
Kustomize is a client-side CLI that builds manifests locally and applies them via kubectl; no server component exists. It is tempting because server-side templating tools such as Helm require cluster-side components, but Kustomize's overlay model deliberately avoids any running service.
- ✓
Kustomize supports strategic merge patches and JSON patches.
Why this is correct
Kustomize supports both strategic merge patches, which merge by Kubernetes object keys, and JSON patches, which apply RFC 6902 operations by path. This satisfies the stem's requirement for accurate Kustomize capabilities, since both patch types are core built-in transformers available without additional plugins.
- ✓
kubectl apply -k <directory> is used to apply Kustomize overlays.
Why this is correct
The `-k` flag directs `kubectl` to build resources from a kustomization directory rather than a plain manifest file, processing bases and overlays before applying them. This satisfies the stem's requirement for a statement accurately describing Kustomize, since overlay application is a core Kustomize capability.
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