- A
Build the Docker container image, push it to Container Registry, create a GKE cluster, apply a Deployment manifest using kubectl, then expose the Deployment as a Service.
This order is correct because the container image must be built and pushed to a registry before creating the cluster and deploying. The cluster is created next, then the Deployment is applied, and finally the Service exposes the application.
- B
Create a GKE cluster, build the Docker container image, push it to Container Registry, apply a Deployment manifest, then expose as a Service.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the container image is built and pushed after the cluster is created. While the cluster can exist beforehand, the deployment step requires the image to be available in a registry, so pushing must occur before applying the Deployment. Also, building before pushing is logical.
- C
Build the Docker container image, create a GKE cluster, apply a Deployment manifest, push the image to Container Registry, then expose as a Service.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the container image must be pushed to a registry before applying the Deployment. The Deployment manifest references the image location, so it must be available in the registry. Pushing after applying would cause the Deployment to fail.
- D
Build the Docker container image, push it to Container Registry, create a GKE cluster, expose as a Service, then apply a Deployment manifest.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the Service cannot be created before the Deployment exists. A Service targets a set of Pods defined by a Deployment, so the Deployment must be applied first. Exposing before deploying would result in an empty Service.
Steps to Deploy a Containerized Application to Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)
This GCDL practice question tests your understanding of google cloud products, services, and solutions. 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.
Drag and drop the steps to deploy a containerized application to Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) into the correct order.
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
Build the Docker container image, push it to Container Registry, create a GKE cluster, apply a Deployment manifest using kubectl, then expose the Deployment as a Service.
The correct sequence starts with containerizing the app, creating a cluster, defining the deployment, applying it, and exposing it as a service.
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.
- ✓
Build the Docker container image, push it to Container Registry, create a GKE cluster, apply a Deployment manifest using kubectl, then expose the Deployment as a Service.
Why this is correct
This order is correct because the container image must be built and pushed to a registry before creating the cluster and deploying. The cluster is created next, then the Deployment is applied, and finally the Service exposes the application.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a GKE cluster, build the Docker container image, push it to Container Registry, apply a Deployment manifest, then expose as a Service.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the container image is built and pushed after the cluster is created. While the cluster can exist beforehand, the deployment step requires the image to be available in a registry, so pushing must occur before applying the Deployment. Also, building before pushing is logical.
- ✗
Build the Docker container image, create a GKE cluster, apply a Deployment manifest, push the image to Container Registry, then expose as a Service.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the container image must be pushed to a registry before applying the Deployment. The Deployment manifest references the image location, so it must be available in the registry. Pushing after applying would cause the Deployment to fail.
- ✗
Build the Docker container image, push it to Container Registry, create a GKE cluster, expose as a Service, then apply a Deployment manifest.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the Service cannot be created before the Deployment exists. A Service targets a set of Pods defined by a Deployment, so the Deployment must be applied first. Exposing before deploying would result in an empty Service.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which GCDL exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this GCDL question test?
Google Cloud products, services, and solutions — This question tests Google Cloud products, services, and solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Build the Docker container image, push it to Container Registry, create a GKE cluster, apply a Deployment manifest using kubectl, then expose the Deployment as a Service. — The correct sequence starts with containerizing the app, creating a cluster, defining the deployment, applying it, and exposing it as a service.
What should I do if I get this GCDL question wrong?
Identify which GCDL exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 11, 2026
This GCDL practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 GCDL exam.
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