- A
kubectl create configmap my-config --from-literal=app.properties
Why wrong: --from-literal is for key=value pairs, not files.
- B
kubectl create configmap my-config --file=app.properties
Why wrong: The flag is --from-file, not --file.
- C
kubectl create configmap my-config --from-env-file=app.properties
Why wrong: --from-env-file creates a ConfigMap from an environment file, but the question does not specify that format.
- D
kubectl create configmap my-config --from-file=app.properties
This creates a ConfigMap with the file contents.
Question 847 of 997
How to Create a ConfigMap from a File Using kubectl
This KCNA practice question tests your understanding of kubernetes fundamentals. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
You need to create a ConfigMap from a file named 'app.properties'. Which kubectl command should you use?
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 create configmap my-config --from-file=app.properties
Option D is correct because `kubectl create configmap` with the `--from-file` flag creates a ConfigMap from a file, using the filename as the key and its content as the value. This is the standard way to import a properties file into a ConfigMap in Kubernetes.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 create configmap my-config --from-literal=app.properties
Why it's wrong here
--from-literal is for key=value pairs, not files.
- ✗
kubectl create configmap my-config --file=app.properties
Why it's wrong here
The flag is --from-file, not --file.
- ✗
kubectl create configmap my-config --from-env-file=app.properties
Why it's wrong here
--from-env-file creates a ConfigMap from an environment file, but the question does not specify that format.
- ✓
kubectl create configmap my-config --from-file=app.properties
Why this is correct
This creates a ConfigMap with the file contents.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The most common mistake is confusing --from-file with --from-env-file. --from-file creates a ConfigMap entry with the filename as the key and file content as value. --from-env-file parses the file line by line as key=value pairs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `--from-file` flag reads the entire file content and stores it under a key equal to the filename (e.g., 'app.properties'). Under the hood, the ConfigMap data is stored as a map of strings, and when mounted as a volume, each key becomes a file in the container. This is distinct from `--from-env-file`, which parses the file line-by-line and creates separate entries for each KEY=VALUE pair, which is useful for populating environment variables but not for preserving the original file structure.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the KCNA exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Kubernetes Fundamentals — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this KCNA question test?
Kubernetes Fundamentals — This question tests Kubernetes Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: kubectl create configmap my-config --from-file=app.properties — Option D is correct because `kubectl create configmap` with the `--from-file` flag creates a ConfigMap from a file, using the filename as the key and its content as the value. This is the standard way to import a properties file into a ConfigMap in Kubernetes.
What should I do if I get this KCNA question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This KCNA 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 KCNA exam.
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