- A
kubectl logs <pod-name>
This is the correct command to retrieve pod logs.
- B
kubectl exec <pod-name> -- logs
Why wrong: The exec command runs commands inside a container, but 'logs' is not a typical command inside the container.
- C
kubectl describe pod <pod-name>
Why wrong: This shows detailed pod information, but not logs.
- D
kubectl get logs <pod-name>
Why wrong: The correct command is 'kubectl logs <pod-name>', not 'get logs'.
Question 752 of 997
Kubectl Logs Command
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.
Which kubectl command would you use to view the logs of a specific pod?
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 logs <pod-name>
Option A is correct because `kubectl logs <pod-name>` is the standard Kubernetes command to retrieve logs from a specified pod. This command fetches the container's stdout and stderr streams, which are captured by the kubelet and stored as log files on the node. It directly accesses the pod's log output without requiring any additional flags or subcommands.
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 logs <pod-name>
Why this is correct
This is the correct command to retrieve pod logs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
kubectl exec <pod-name> -- logs
Why it's wrong here
The exec command runs commands inside a container, but 'logs' is not a typical command inside the container.
- ✗
kubectl describe pod <pod-name>
Why it's wrong here
This shows detailed pod information, but not logs.
- ✗
kubectl get logs <pod-name>
Why it's wrong here
The correct command is 'kubectl logs <pod-name>', not 'get logs'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse `kubectl logs` with `kubectl exec` or `kubectl describe`, thinking that logs are accessed via an exec command or that describe includes log output, when in fact logs are a distinct resource accessed through the dedicated `logs` subcommand.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The exec command runs commands inside a container, but 'logs' is not a typical command inside the container.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `kubectl logs` communicates with the Kubernetes API server, which proxies the request to the kubelet on the node hosting the pod. The kubelet then reads the container's log file (typically located at /var/log/pods/ on the node) and streams it back. In real-world scenarios, you often use flags like `--tail=N` to view only the last N lines, `-f` to follow logs in real time, or `-c <container-name>` for multi-container pods, as `kubectl logs` defaults to the first container if only one exists.
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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Targeted practice on this topic area only
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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 logs <pod-name> — Option A is correct because `kubectl logs <pod-name>` is the standard Kubernetes command to retrieve logs from a specified pod. This command fetches the container's stdout and stderr streams, which are captured by the kubelet and stored as log files on the node. It directly accesses the pod's log output without requiring any additional flags or subcommands.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on KCNA
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which command is used to view the logs of a pod named 'web-pod'?
medium- ✓ A.kubectl logs web-pod
- B.kubectl describe pod web-pod
- C.kubectl get logs web-pod
- D.kubectl exec web-pod -- logs
Why A: The correct command to view logs from a pod in Kubernetes is 'kubectl logs web-pod'. This command retrieves the current stdout/stderr output from the primary container in the specified pod, which is the standard method for accessing container logs without entering the pod.
Keep practising
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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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