Google PCA Manage implementation of cloud architecture Practice Question
A cloud architect is implementing a CI/CD pipeline for a microservices-based application on Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE). The team needs to deploy new versions of the services with zero downtime and the ability to quickly roll back if issues are detected. Which two strategies should the architect consider? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Blue/green deployment
Blue/green deployment (C) and canary deployment (D) are two strategies that provide zero downtime and quick rollback. Blue/green deploys new version to a separate environment and switches traffic; canary gradually shifts traffic and allows easy rollback. Rolling update (B) also provides zero downtime but rollback requires a new update, not immediate. Shadow deployment (A) mirrors traffic for analysis but doesn't serve users. A/B testing (E) is a method for comparing features but not a deployment strategy.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Shadow deployment
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: shadow deployment mirrors traffic for testing but does not serve users directly; rollback is not inherent.
- ✗
Rolling update
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: rolling updates provide zero downtime but rollback is not instantaneous; requires another update.
- ✓
Blue/green deployment
Why this is correct
Correct: blue/green allows instant rollback by switching traffic back to the old version.
- ✓
Canary deployment
Why this is correct
Correct: canary deployments allow gradual traffic shifting and easy rollback if issues are detected.
- ✗
A/B testing deployment
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: A/B testing is for feature comparison, not a deployment strategy with zero downtime and rollback.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Google Cloud Platform
Key term
Anthos
Anthos is a Google Cloud platform that lets you run applications consistently across different computing environments, like on-premises data centers and multiple public clouds.
Key term
Microservices
Microservices is an architectural style where a software application is built as a collection of small, independent services, each handling a specific business function and communicating over a network.
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