Best Practices for Writing Kubernetes YAML Manifests

Best Practices Kubernetes YAML Manifest

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FAQ

What is Kubernetes YAML manifest?

A Kubernetes YAML manifest is a configuration file written in YAML format that defines Kubernetes resources such as Pods, Deployments, Services, and ConfigMaps. It specifies the desired state of an application, including metadata, specifications, and configurations, allowing Kubernetes to manage and deploy workloads efficiently.

What is an example of a Kubernetes manifest YAML file?

An example of a simple Kubernetes manifest YAML file for deploying a basic Nginx pod looks like this:

apiVersion: v1
kind: Pod
metadata:
  name: nginx-pod
spec:
  containers:
    - name: nginx
      image: nginx:latest
      ports:
        - containerPort: 80

This file defines a Pod running an Nginx container, exposing port 80.

How do I create a Kubernetes manifest YAML file?

To create a Kubernetes manifest YAML file, define the required resource specifications using YAML syntax. Start with the apiVersion, kind, metadata, and spec fields. Save the file with a .yaml extension and apply it using kubectl apply -f filename.yaml. Tools like kubectl create --dry-run=client -o yaml can help generate manifest templates.

What are the key components of a Kubernetes manifest YAML file?

The key components of a Kubernetes manifest YAML file include:

  • apiVersion – Specifies the Kubernetes API version to use.
  • kind – Defines the type of resource (e.g., Pod, Deployment, Service).
  • metadata – Includes resource name, labels, and annotations.
  • spec – Describes the desired state, such as container images, volumes, and replicas.

These elements work together to instruct Kubernetes on how to deploy and manage the application.

Where are Kubernetes manifests stored?

Kubernetes manifests are typically stored in version control systems (e.g., Git) for better collaboration and change tracking. When applied, they are stored in the Kubernetes API server as live resources. Local manifests are usually kept in repositories, deployment directories, or CI/CD pipelines for automated deployments.

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