- A
kubectl logs mycontainer -p mypod
Why wrong: Incorrect. The `-p` flag is for viewing logs from a previous instance of a container, not for specifying which container to target.
- B
kubectl logs mypod --container mycontainer
Correct. `--container` is a valid long-form flag to specify the container name.
- C
kubectl logs mypod -c mycontainer
Correct. `-c` is the short-form flag equivalent to `--container`.
- D
kubectl logs mypod mycontainer
Why wrong: Incorrect. The container name cannot be provided as a positional argument; it must be specified with the `-c` or `--container` flag.
Question 428 of 997
Which Command Views Logs of a Specific Container in a Multi-Container Pod?
This KCNA practice question tests your understanding of container orchestration. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 command would you use to view the logs of a specific container in a multi-container pod?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"which command"Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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 mypod --container mycontainer
Both options B and C are correct because `kubectl logs mypod --container mycontainer` and `kubectl logs mypod -c mycontainer` are equivalent commands to view logs from a specific container in a multi-container pod. The `--container` flag (long form) and `-c` flag (short form) are both supported and accepted in Kubernetes. Option A is incorrect because `-p` is for viewing logs from a previous container instance, not for specifying a container. Option D is incorrect because the container name cannot be provided as a positional argument; it must be specified with a flag.
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 mycontainer -p mypod
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The `-p` flag is for viewing logs from a previous instance of a container, not for specifying which container to target.
- ✓
kubectl logs mypod --container mycontainer
Why this is correct
Correct. `--container` is a valid long-form flag to specify the container name.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
kubectl logs mypod -c mycontainer
Why this is correct
Correct. `-c` is the short-form flag equivalent to `--container`.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
kubectl logs mypod mycontainer
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The container name cannot be provided as a positional argument; it must be specified with the `-c` or `--container` flag.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CNCF exam may test that both `-c` and `--container` flags are valid for specifying a container in a multi-container pod, so candidates should know that both options B and C are correct.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `kubectl logs` uses the Kubernetes API to stream logs from the container's stdout/stderr, which are captured by the kubelet and stored as log files on the node. In multi-container pods, the `-c` flag is essential because the API requires a container name parameter to disambiguate which container's log stream to retrieve; omitting it defaults to the first container in the pod spec, which may not be the intended one. This is particularly important in sidecar patterns (e.g., logging agents or proxies) where you need to debug a specific container without mixing log output.
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.
- →
Container Orchestration — 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?
Container Orchestration — This question tests Container Orchestration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: kubectl logs mypod --container mycontainer — Both options B and C are correct because `kubectl logs mypod --container mycontainer` and `kubectl logs mypod -c mycontainer` are equivalent commands to view logs from a specific container in a multi-container pod. The `--container` flag (long form) and `-c` flag (short form) are both supported and accepted in Kubernetes. Option A is incorrect because `-p` is for viewing logs from a previous container instance, not for specifying a container. Option D is incorrect because the container name cannot be provided as a positional argument; it must be specified with a flag.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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: 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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