- A
kubectl logs web-1 --container app
Correct. The `--container` flag is the long-form alias for `-c` and is perfectly valid. The syntax `kubectl logs pod-name --container container-name` is correct.
- B
kubectl logs web-1 -c app
Correct. The `-c` flag is the short form for `--container` and is the standard syntax shown in kubectl help. Both A and B are valid commands.
- C
kubectl logs app web-1
Why wrong: Incorrect. The argument order is wrong: `kubectl logs` expects the pod name first, then optionally the container flag. Writing `kubectl logs app web-1` would attempt to treat 'app' as the pod name and 'web-1' as the container name, which is reversed.
- D
kubectl logs -p web-1 app
Why wrong: Incorrect. The `-p` flag is used to view logs from a previous instance of a container (e.g., after a crash), not to specify a container within a multi-container pod. The correct syntax for specifying container is `-c` or `--container`.
kubectl logs Command for Multi-Container Pods
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 inspect the logs of a container named 'app' in a pod called 'web-1'. 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 logs web-1 --container app
Both Option A and Option B are correct. The `kubectl logs` command supports both the short flag `-c` and the long flag `--container` to specify a container within a multi-container pod. Option A uses the long form `--container` which is fully valid, and Option B uses the short form `-c`. The argument order is correct in both: pod name first, then container flag. Option C incorrectly places the container name as the first argument (kubectl logs app web-1). Option D uses the `-p` flag, which is for viewing logs of a previous container instance, not for selecting a container by name.
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 web-1 --container app
Why this is correct
Correct. The `--container` flag is the long-form alias for `-c` and is perfectly valid. The syntax `kubectl logs pod-name --container container-name` is correct.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
kubectl logs web-1 -c app
Why this is correct
Correct. The `-c` flag is the short form for `--container` and is the standard syntax shown in kubectl help. Both A and B are valid commands.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
kubectl logs app web-1
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The argument order is wrong: `kubectl logs` expects the pod name first, then optionally the container flag. Writing `kubectl logs app web-1` would attempt to treat 'app' as the pod name and 'web-1' as the container name, which is reversed.
- ✗
kubectl logs -p web-1 app
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The `-p` flag is used to view logs from a previous instance of a container (e.g., after a crash), not to specify a container within a multi-container pod. The correct syntax for specifying container is `-c` or `--container`.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF often tests the argument order of `kubectl logs` and the specific use of `-c` vs. `--container`. Both flags are acceptable, but candidates must ensure the pod name comes before the container flag.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `kubectl logs` communicates with the kubelet on the node via the Kubernetes API server, requesting the container's log stream from the container runtime (e.g., containerd or CRI-O). In multi-container pods, the container name is essential because the kubelet manages separate log files or streams for each container, and without it, kubectl returns an error. A real-world scenario is debugging a sidecar proxy container in a pod, where you must use `-c` to isolate its logs from the main application container.
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
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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 web-1 --container app — Both Option A and Option B are correct. The `kubectl logs` command supports both the short flag `-c` and the long flag `--container` to specify a container within a multi-container pod. Option A uses the long form `--container` which is fully valid, and Option B uses the short form `-c`. The argument order is correct in both: pod name first, then container flag. Option C incorrectly places the container name as the first argument (kubectl logs app web-1). Option D uses the `-p` flag, which is for viewing logs of a previous container instance, not for selecting a container by name.
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 →
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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