Master Kubernetes CKAD Exam: My Top 10 Time-Saving Tricks

Introduction

Preparing for the CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) exam can be stressful, especially with the amount of YAML you need to write. But here’s the thing — I’ve found a way to avoid memorizing YAML . In this article, I’m sharing 10 practical tricks that helped me work faster, save time, and stay efficient in Kubernetes. 🚀

🔥 Trick #1: Instantly Generate YAML with kubectl create

Instead of typing YAML from scratch, I use kubectl create with --dry-run=client -o yaml to generate templates.

Example: Create a Pod YAML

kubectl run mypod --image=nginx --dry-run=client -o yaml > pod.yaml

Then, I simply edit the file:

vi pod.yaml # Modify as needed
kubectl apply -f pod.yaml

📌 This method works for Pods, Deployments, Services, ConfigMaps, Secrets, PVCs, and more!

Pod :
kubectl run mypod --image=nginx --dry-run=client -o yaml > pod.yaml
---------------
Deployment :

kubectl create deployment mydeploy --image=nginx --dry-run=client -o yaml > deploy.yaml
---------------
Service :

kubectl expose pod mypod --port=80 --dry-run=client -o yaml > svc.yaml
---------------
ConfigMap :

kubectl create configmap myconfig --from-literal=key=value --dry-run=client -o yaml > config.yaml
---------------
Secret :

kubectl create secret generic mysecret --from-literal=key=value --dry-run=client -o yaml > secret.yaml
---------------
PersistentVolumeClaim :

kubectl create pvc mypvc --storage=1Gi --access-mode=ReadWriteOnce --dry-run=client -o yaml > pvc.yaml

✅ This saves me from memorizing YAML structure and reduces errors!

🔥 Trick #2: Use kubectl explain for Quick Reference

Whenever I forget a YAML field, I use:

kubectl explain pod.spec.containers
kubectl explain storageclass.spec

This instantly shows me the available fields without searching online.

Example output:

KIND:     Pod
VERSION:  v1
FIELD:    containers <[]Object>
DESCRIPTION:
     List of containers belonging to the pod.

✅ Saves time when reviewing YAML structures!

🔥 Trick #3: Export Existing Objects and Modify Them

Why write YAML from scratch when you can export and tweak it?

Example: Export a Pod YAML

kubectl get pod mypod -o yaml > pod.yaml

Example: Export a Deployment YAML

kubectl get deploy mydeploy -o yaml > deploy.yaml

Now, I just edit the file and reapply instead of creating everything manually.

🔥 Trick #4: Use kubectl edit for Live Editing

Instead of deleting and recreating objects, I use:

kubectl edit pod mypod

✅ This opens the YAML in an editor, so I can modify it on the fly.

🔥 Trick #5: Modify Objects Without Editing YAML Using kubectl patch

For quick modifications, kubectl patch is a lifesaver!

Example: Add a label to a running pod

kubectl patch pod mypod -p '{"metadata":{"labels":{"env":"test"}}}'

Example: Change Deployment Image Without Editing YAML

kubectl set image deployment mydeploy nginx=nginx:1.19

✅ Saves me from writing full YAML files for minor changes.

🔥 Trick #6: Use kubectl apply -k for Kustomize

Instead of managing multiple YAML files manually, I use Kustomize:

kubectl apply -k .

✅ This applies all YAML files in the directory without individual kubectl apply -f commands.

🔥 Trick #7: Enable Kubernetes Autocomplete

I enable kubectl autocomplete to type faster:

source <(kubectl completion bash)
alias k=kubectl
complete -F __start_kubectl k

Now, I can type:

k get pods
k apply -f pod.yaml

✅ Saves me from typing long kubectl commands repeatedly!

🔥 Trick #8: Quickly Delete Objects

If I need to clean up quickly:

kubectl delete pod mypod
kubectl delete deploy mydeploy
kubectl delete all --all  # Delete everything in the namespace

✅ Helps keep my exam workspace clean!

🔥 Trick #9: Create Multi-Container Pods Easily

Instead of writing complex YAML, I generate the base YAML first:

kubectl run mypod --image=nginx --dry-run=client -o yaml > pod.yaml

Then, I edit it to add extra containers manually.

🔥 Trick #10: Generate StorageClass YAML in Seconds

Example: Create a StorageClass

kubectl create storageclass mystorage --provisioner=kubernetes.io/no-provisioner --dry-run=client -o yaml > sc.yaml

Then, I edit sc.yaml to add:

volumeBindingMode: WaitForFirstConsumer
allowVolumeExpansion: true

✅ No need to memorize StorageClass YAML — just generate and tweak!

🎯 Conclusion: take the CKAD Exam Without Memorizing YAML!

By using these 10 Kubernetes tricks, I was able to:

✔️ Save time during the CKAD exam.

✔️ Avoid memorizing YAML syntax.

✔️ Work faster and smarter in Kubernetes.

✔️ Improve real-world Kubernetes productivity.

✅ I use kubectl create and kubectl explain to generate YAML.

✅ I modify existing objects instead of writing YAML from scratch.

✅ I automate repetitive tasks with aliases and autocomplete.

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