KCNA Kubernetes Fundamentals Practice Question
Which kubectl command is used to create or update resources defined in a YAML file?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse `kubectl create` (imperative, fails on existing resources) with `kubectl apply` (declarative, handles both create and update), or assume a non-existent `kubectl update` command exists based on other tools like `apt update`.
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 apply -f file.yaml
`kubectl apply -f file.yaml` uses a declarative approach to create or update Kubernetes resources. It sends the YAML configuration to the API server, which compares the desired state with the current state and applies the necessary changes, storing the last-applied configuration in an annotation for future updates.
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 update -f file.yaml
Why it's wrong here
There is no 'kubectl update' command.
- ✗
kubectl create -f file.yaml
Why it's wrong here
This creates resources but will error if they already exist; it does not update.
- ✓
kubectl apply -f file.yaml
Why this is correct
This creates or updates resources based on the current state defined in the file.
- ✗
kubectl set -f file.yaml
Why it's wrong here
'kubectl set' is used to update specific fields on existing resources, not to apply entire files.
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