KCNA Kubernetes Fundamentals Practice Question
You need to update a running Deployment to use a new container image. Which kubectl command should you use?
⚠ Common exam trap
CNCF often tests whether candidates know that `kubectl set image` is the idiomatic, single-purpose command for updating container images, versus using more complex or less appropriate commands like `kubectl replace` or `kubectl patch`.
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 set image deployment/<name> <container>=<new-image>
`kubectl set image` is the dedicated command for updating the container image of a running Deployment without modifying the entire manifest. It directly updates the Deployment's pod template spec, triggering a rolling update to replace pods with the new image.
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 replace -f deployment.yaml
Why it's wrong here
This requires modifying the YAML file manually, not a direct command.
- ✓
kubectl set image deployment/<name> <container>=<new-image>
Why this is correct
This command directly updates the image.
- ✗
kubectl edit deployment <name>
Why it's wrong here
This opens an editor but is not the most direct command.
- ✗
kubectl patch deployment <name> -p '{"spec":{"template":{"spec":{"containers":[{"name":"<container>","image":"<new-image>"}]}}}}'
Why it's wrong here
While possible, it's more complex and less common than set image.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.