KCNA Kubernetes Fundamentals Practice Question
In a YAML manifest for a Deployment, which field defines the number of pod replicas?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse the `spec.replicas` field with `spec.template` or `metadata`, or incorrectly assume that replica count is nested under `strategy` or `template`, leading them to pick A, B, or D.
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
✓
spec.replicas
In a Kubernetes Deployment manifest, the `spec.replicas` field is the correct place to define the desired number of pod replicas. This field is a top-level attribute under the Deployment's `spec` object, and the ReplicaSet controller uses this integer value to ensure the specified number of Pods are running at all times.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
spec.strategy.replicas
Why it's wrong here
spec.strategy defines update strategy, not replica count.
- ✗
metadata.replicas
Why it's wrong here
metadata does not contain a replicas field.
- ✓
spec.replicas
Why this is correct
spec.replicas is the correct field for setting the number of replicas.
- ✗
spec.template.replicas
Why it's wrong here
spec.template is the pod template; replicas is not set there.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Kubernetes Overview and Core Components
Key term
ReplicaSet and Replication
A ReplicaSet ensures a specified number of identical pod instances are running at all times in Kubernetes, using replication to maintain availability and stability.
Key term
Kubernetes API Primitives
Kubernetes API Primitives are the basic building blocks that the Kubernetes API uses to represent and manage the state of a cluster, such as Pods, Services, Deployments, and Namespaces.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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