CKAD Application Deployment Practice Question
Which TWO statements about kubectl apply vs kubectl create are correct? (Select two)
⚠ Common exam trap
Kubernetes often tests the misconception that `kubectl apply` and `kubectl create` are interchangeable, but the trap here is that candidates confuse the imperative `create` (which cannot update) with the declarative `apply` (which can), and they may also incorrectly assume `--dry-run=client` works identically for both commands.
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 apply can update existing resources; kubectl create cannot.
The correct options are the statement about kubectl apply storing the last applied configuration in an annotation (the first option) and option C. The annotation `kubectl.kubernetes.io/last-applied-configuration` enables declarative updates with `kubectl apply`. Option C is correct because `kubectl apply` can update existing resources declaratively, while `kubectl create` will fail if the resource already exists. Option A is incorrect because `kubectl create` does not support `--dry-run=client`; only `kubectl apply` does. Options B, D, and E are incorrect as explained.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Both commands support the --dry-run=client flag.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Only `kubectl apply` supports `--dry-run=client`; `kubectl create` does not.
- ✗
Both commands require a full YAML manifest file.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. `kubectl create` can create resources from command-line arguments or standard input, not necessarily a full YAML file.
- ✓
kubectl apply can update existing resources; kubectl create cannot.
Why this is correct
Correct. `kubectl apply` can update existing resources; `kubectl create` cannot update and will fail if the resource exists.
- ✗
kubectl create is the recommended way to manage production resources.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. `kubectl apply` is recommended for production to enable declarative management, not `kubectl create`.
- ✗
Both commands can only be used to create resources, not update.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. `kubectl apply` can both create and update resources, while `kubectl create` only creates.
- ✓
kubectl apply stores the last applied configuration in an annotation.
Why this is correct
It uses the annotation 'kubectl.kubernetes.io/last-applied-configuration'.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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