Kubernetes Foundations: Concepts and Architecture

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Kubernetes, the industry-leading container orchestration platform. You'll start by understanding the "why" behind orchestration and then dive deep into the powerful architecture of Kubernetes, exploring its core components and how it revolutionizes application deployment compared to traditional systems. Through a blend of clear explanations and hands-on labs, you will set up your own local Kubernetes cluster using Minikube, learn to interact with it using kubectl, and understand the fundamentals of defining resources with YAML. By the end of this course, you'll have the foundational knowledge and practical skills to confidently take your first steps in the world of container orchestration.

Who is this course for

This course is designed for beginners who have a basic understanding of containers (like Docker) and want to learn how to manage them at scale. It is ideal for:

• Software Developers: Who want to understand how their containerized applications are deployed and managed.

• Aspiring DevOps & SREs: Who need to learn the foundational tool for modern infrastructure management.

• Cloud Engineers & System Administrators: Who are transitioning from traditional infrastructure to containerized, cloud-native environments.

• IT Professionals: Looking to upskill and learn one of the most in-demand technologies in the industry.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain Container Orchestration: Define the purpose of orchestration and articulate the key role Kubernetes plays in managing containers.

• Describe Kubernetes Architecture: Identify the core components of the Kubernetes control plane and worker nodes and explain their functions.

• Compare Deployment Models: Differentiate between Kubernetes-based orchestration and traditional VM-based infrastructure.

• Set Up a Local Cluster: Install and configure a local Kubernetes development environment using Minikube and kubectl.

• Interact with Kubernetes: Use basic kubectl commands to interact with the Kubernetes API and understand the structure of a YAML manifest file.

Prerequisites

To succeed in this course, you should have:

1. A Solid Understanding of Docker: You must be familiar with containerization concepts, including what Docker is and how to build and run basic containers.

2. Command-Line Proficiency: You should be comfortable working in a terminal or command prompt.

3. Basic YAML Familiarity (Helpful): While not required, a basic understanding of YAML syntax will be beneficial.

Course outline

Section 1: Quick Recap of Containerization and Docker

1. What are Containers and Docker?

2. Why Docker: Importance and Use Cases

3. Compute Options: Bare Metal vs. Virtual Machines vs. Docker

Section 2: Introduction to Orchestration

1. What is Orchestration?

2. Orchestration vs. Automation

3. Kubernetes and its Use in Container Orchestration

Section 3: Introduction to Kubernetes

1. What is Kubernetes and its Use Cases?

2. The History and Evolution of Kubernetes

3. Kubernetes vs. Traditional VM-based Orchestration

4. The Kubernetes Architecture

5. Core Components of Kubernetes

Section 4: Local Development Setup in Kubernetes

1. What are Minikube and Kubectl? (Includes Installation)

2. The Kubernetes API (K8s API)

3. Hands-on Lab: Interacting with Kubernetes Resources using kubectl

4. Understanding YAML File Structure and Syntax

Section 5: Bonus Material

1. Kubernetes Cheat Sheet for Quick Command Reference

Testimonials