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Getting Started with Google Kubernetes Engine

Google Cloud Training

4.5

Based on 3,700 ratings

, see reviews

Google Cloud Training

Welcome to the Getting Started with Google Kubernetes Engine course. If you're interested in Kubernetes, a software layer that sits between your applications and your hardware infrastructure, then you’re in the right place! Google Kubernetes Engine brings you Kubernetes as a managed service on Google Cloud.

The goal of this course is to introduce the basics of Google Kubernetes Engine, or GKE, as it’s commonly referred to, and how to get applications containerized and running in Google Cloud. The course starts with a basic introduction to Google Cloud, and is then followed by an overview of containers and Kubernetes, Kubernetes architecture, and Kubernetes operations.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction

The course introduction explains the course goals and previews each section.

Introduction to Google Cloud

The first section of this course introduces cloud computing concepts. Learners explore fundamental terminology, the Google Cloud network, how Google Cloud resources are organized in an hierarchy for management, and the tools available to connect to Google Cloud for allocating, changing, and releasing resources.

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what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines Google Cloud and Kubernetes fundamentals, likely relevant for beginners

Taught by Google Cloud Training, known for their expertise in Google Cloud computing

Develops foundational Kubernetes skills and knowledge, useful for beginners in the field

May help learners deploy Kubernetes clusters and related objects in Google Cloud

Emphasizes the use of kubectl for Kubernetes cluster management, a common tool in industry

Content includes labs and interactive materials for hands-on learning

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Reviews summary

Getting started with google kubernetes engine

According to learners, this course serves as a solid starting point for understanding Google Kubernetes Engine. Students appreciate the clear explanations of core Kubernetes and GKE concepts, finding it a valuable introduction to the architecture and operations. The hands-on labs using Cloud Shell are frequently mentioned as a key strength, providing practical experience with kubectl commands and deployment processes. While the course provides a good foundational overview, some learners feel it moves at a fast pace, potentially requiring pausing or prior familiarity with cloud or containers. It's widely considered a good stepping stone for further study in cloud-native technologies.

Prepares for deeper learning.

"It's a great entry point for more advanced GKE topics."

"Feel ready to explore more complex Kubernetes deployments now."

"Gave me the confidence to tackle other cloud-native courses."

Concepts are explained clearly.

"The explanations of Kubernetes architecture were very clear."

"Concepts like pods and deployments were explained simply."

"Found the lectures easy to follow and understand."

Provides a good introduction to GKE basics.

"Provides a really solid foundation for anyone starting with GKE."

"A necessary first step if you are new to Google Kubernetes Engine."

"Helped me grasp the fundamental concepts needed to proceed."

Practical labs reinforce learning.

"The hands-on labs were incredibly useful for practicing."

"Liked being able to run kubectl commands in Cloud Shell."

"Applying the concepts in labs made a big difference for me."

Pace may be quick for beginners.

"Felt the course moved a bit too fast at times."

"Might be challenging if you have absolutely zero cloud background."

"Had to rewind and rewatch certain parts to fully grasp them."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Getting Started with Google Kubernetes Engine with these activities:

Review concepts of containers and Kubernetes

Show steps

Review the basics of containers and Kubernetes before the start of the course to strengthen your foundational understanding.

Browse courses on Containers

Show steps

Read online articles or blog posts about containers and Kubernetes
Watch introductory videos or tutorials on the same topics
Try out a hands-on tutorial on creating and managing a simple container

Review Kubernetes concepts and vocabulary

Show steps

Refreshing your understanding of key terms and concepts will provide a solid foundation.

Browse courses on Kubernetes Concepts

Show steps

Go through your course notes or online materials to review Kubernetes concepts.

Review Kubernetes documentation

Show steps

Referencing the official documentation will enhance your understanding of Kubernetes concepts.

View Kubernetes: Up and Running: Dive into the... on Amazon

Show steps

Read through the Kubernetes documentation online or in a physical copy.

16 other activities

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Show all 19 activities

Gather resources on Kubernetes best practices

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Compile a collection of resources that provide guidance on best practices for designing, deploying, and managing Kubernetes applications.

Browse courses on Kubernetes Architecture

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Search for articles, blog posts, and documentation on Kubernetes best practices
Use Google Scholar or other academic databases to find research papers on the topic
Organize the resources into a curated collection

Review Kubernetes Basics

Show steps

Review the core concepts of Kubernetes to strengthen your foundation before diving into the course.

Browse courses on Kubernetes

Show steps

Re-read the course introduction to refresh your memory on Kubernetes.
Go through the Kubernetes documentation to review the basics.
Complete a short online tutorial on Kubernetes.

Setting up Google Kubernetes Engine

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Deepen your understanding of Google Kubernetes Engine setup by following tutorials on the topic.

Browse courses on Google Kubernetes Engine

Show steps

Identify a reliable source for tutorials on Google Kubernetes Engine setup.
Set aside dedicated time to work through the tutorials.
Take notes and experiment with the concepts covered in the tutorials.

Create a Kubernetes cluster

Show steps

Practice deploying a Kubernetes cluster using Google Kubernetes Engine to solidify your understanding of cluster architecture and deployment.

Browse courses on Kubernetes Cluster

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Create a Kubernetes cluster using gcloud
Verify the cluster is running by using kubectl

Follow Kubernetes tutorials

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Following guided tutorials will provide you with practical examples and reinforce your learning.

Show steps

Search for tutorials on deploying and managing Kubernetes clusters.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step to gain hands-on experience.

Explore Google Cloud Platform tutorials

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Supplement your learning by following guided tutorials that demonstrate practical applications of Google Cloud Platform and Google Kubernetes Engine.

Browse courses on Google Cloud Platform

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Identify specific topics or areas you want to explore further
Search for and select relevant tutorials from the Google Cloud Platform documentation
Follow the instructions and complete the hands-on exercises in the tutorials

Practice deploying and managing containers

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Hands-on practice with containers and Kubernetes will solidify your understanding.

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Set up a local Kubernetes environment using Docker.
Deploy a simple containerized application.
Manage the deployed application using Kubernetes commands.

Kubernetes Deployments and Pods

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Solidify your understanding of Kubernetes deployments and pods through repetitive exercises.

Browse courses on Kubernetes Deployments

Show steps

Find online resources or coding challenges that focus on Kubernetes deployments and pods.
Set aside regular practice sessions to work on these exercises.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Managing Kubernetes Pods

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Complete a tutorial on managing Kubernetes Pods to gain hands-on experience with creating, modifying, and deleting Pods.

Browse courses on Kubernetes PODs

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Find a tutorial on managing Kubernetes Pods
Follow the tutorial to create a Pod
Use kubectl to modify the Pod
Delete the Pod

Build a sample Kubernetes application

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Creating a Kubernetes application from scratch will provide you with valuable experience.

Show steps

Design and implement a simple application using your preferred programming language.
Containerize the application using Docker or similar tools.
Deploy the containerized application to a Kubernetes cluster.

Practice deploying Kubernetes clusters

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of Kubernetes operations by practicing the deployment of Kubernetes clusters on Google Kubernetes Engine.

Browse courses on Kubernetes Architecture

Show steps

Create a Google Cloud Platform account if you don't have one
Set up Google Kubernetes Engine using the Google Cloud Console or command line
Deploy a simple Kubernetes cluster
Try out different deployment options and configurations

Participate in online forums or discussion groups

Show steps

Engaging with peers will expose you to diverse perspectives and deepen your understanding.

Show steps

Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to Kubernetes.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge.

Containerized Application Deployment

Show steps

Apply your knowledge by deploying a containerized application on Google Kubernetes Engine.

Browse courses on Containerized Applications

Show steps

Choose a simple containerized application to deploy.
Create a Google Kubernetes Engine cluster.
Deploy your containerized application to the cluster.
Monitor the deployment and make adjustments as needed.

Write a blog post or article on a Kubernetes topic

Show steps

Explaining Kubernetes concepts to others will reinforce your own understanding.

Show steps

Choose a specific Kubernetes topic to write about.
Research the topic thoroughly and gather relevant information.
Write a clear and concise blog post or article.

Develop a small-scale Kubernetes application

Show steps

Apply your knowledge by creating a simple Kubernetes application that demonstrates your understanding of Kubernetes concepts and GKE.

Browse courses on Kubernetes Operations

Show steps

Design and plan your application, including the components and their interactions
Create Docker images for your application components
Write Kubernetes manifests to define your application's deployment
Deploy your application to a Kubernetes cluster on GKE
Test and monitor your application's performance

Contribute to open-source Kubernetes projects

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of Kubernetes by contributing to open-source projects related to Kubernetes or GKE.

Browse courses on Google Kubernetes Engine

Show steps

Identify open-source Kubernetes projects that align with your interests or skills
Review the project documentation and codebase
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements
Submit your contributions and engage with the project community

Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started with Google Kubernetes Engine will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Kubernetes Engineer

Kubernetes Engineers are responsible for designing, deploying, and managing Kubernetes clusters. They use their knowledge of Kubernetes architecture and operations to ensure that applications run smoothly and efficiently in the cloud. This course can help those wishing to start a career as a Kubernetes Engineer by providing a foundation in Kubernetes concepts and operations. The course's coverage of deploying Kubernetes clusters on Google Kubernetes Engine can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work with Kubernetes on Google Cloud.

See salaries and explore the career path for Kubernetes Engineer

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. They use their knowledge of both software development and infrastructure management to improve the speed and efficiency of software delivery. This course can help those wishing to transition into a career as a DevOps Engineer by providing a foundation in Kubernetes, a key technology for automating and managing the deployment and operation of software applications. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work with Kubernetes in a DevOps environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Network Engineer

Network Engineers are responsible for designing and managing computer networks. They use their knowledge of networking concepts and technologies to ensure that networks are reliable, secure, and performant. This course can help those wishing to transition into a career as a Network Engineer by providing a foundation in Kubernetes, a key technology for managing and scaling network infrastructure. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work with Kubernetes in a network engineering environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Site Reliability Engineer

Site Reliability Engineers are responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of software systems. They use their knowledge of software development, infrastructure management, and data analysis to identify and resolve issues that can affect system uptime and performance. This course can help those wishing to transition into a career as a Site Reliability Engineer by providing a foundation in Kubernetes, a key technology for automating and managing the deployment and operation of software applications. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work with Kubernetes in a production environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Site Reliability Engineer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers are responsible for designing and managing data pipelines. They use their knowledge of data engineering tools and technologies to gather, clean, and process data for analysis and reporting purposes. This course can help those wishing to transition into a career as a Data Engineer by providing a foundation in Kubernetes, a key technology for managing and scaling data processing pipelines. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work with Kubernetes in a data engineering environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

DevOps Manager

DevOps Managers are responsible for leading and managing DevOps teams. They use their knowledge of DevOps concepts and practices to improve the speed and efficiency of software delivery. This course can help those wishing to transition into a career as a DevOps Manager by providing a foundation in Kubernetes, a key technology for automating and managing the deployment and operation of software applications. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work with Kubernetes in a DevOps management environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Manager

Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. They use their knowledge of programming languages and software development tools to create and maintain software that meets the needs of users. This course can help those wishing to transition into a career as a Software Engineer by providing a foundation in Kubernetes, a key technology for modern software development. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work with Kubernetes in a software development environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects are responsible for designing and managing cloud infrastructure. They use their knowledge of cloud computing concepts and technologies to create and maintain secure, scalable, and cost-effective cloud solutions. This course can help those wishing to start a career as a Cloud Architect by providing a foundation in Google Cloud and Kubernetes. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work with Kubernetes in a cloud computing environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for managing computer systems and networks. They use their knowledge of systems administration concepts and technologies to ensure that systems are reliable, secure, and performant. This course can help those wishing to transition into a career as a Systems Administrator by providing a foundation in Kubernetes, a key technology for managing and scaling systems infrastructure. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work with Kubernetes in a systems administration environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Cloud Developer

Cloud Developers are responsible for designing and developing software applications that run on the cloud. They use their knowledge of cloud computing concepts and technologies to create applications that are scalable, reliable, and cost-effective. This course can help those wishing to transition into a career as a Cloud Developer by providing a foundation in Google Cloud and Kubernetes. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work with Kubernetes in a cloud development environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Developer

Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers are responsible for securing cloud infrastructure and applications. They use their knowledge of cloud security concepts and technologies to identify and mitigate security risks. This course can help those wishing to transition into a career as a Cloud Security Engineer by providing a foundation in Google Cloud and Kubernetes. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work with Kubernetes in a cloud security environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They use their knowledge of data science concepts and techniques to build models that can predict future events or identify trends. This course may be useful for those wishing to transition into a career as a Data Scientist by providing a foundation in Kubernetes, a key technology for managing and scaling data processing pipelines. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to use Kubernetes to improve the efficiency of data processing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for creating and maintaining technical documentation. They use their knowledge of technical writing concepts and practices to create documentation that is clear, concise, and informative. This course may be useful for those wishing to transition into a career as a Technical Writer by providing a foundation in Kubernetes, a key technology for modern software development. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to create documentation for Kubernetes users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing and understanding business processes. They use their knowledge of business analysis concepts and techniques to identify and solve business problems. This course may be useful for those wishing to transition into a career as a Business Analyst by providing a foundation in Kubernetes, a key technology for modern software development. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to understand how Kubernetes can be used to improve the scalability and efficiency of business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for managing the development and launch of software products. They use their knowledge of product management concepts and practices to define product requirements, set product priorities, and track product progress. This course may be useful for those wishing to transition into a career as a Product Manager by providing a foundation in Kubernetes, a key technology for modern software development. The course's coverage of Kubernetes architecture and operations can be particularly beneficial for those wishing to understand how Kubernetes can be used to improve the speed and efficiency of software delivery.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Getting Started with Google Kubernetes Engine.

Kubernetes: Up and Running

Save

Practical guide to Kubernetes, written by some of the project's creators. It covers everything you need to know to get started with Kubernetes, from installation to troubleshooting.

Kubernetes: Up and Running: Dive into the Future of...

Paperback

Kubernetes: Up and Running

Kindle Edition

Getting Started with Docker

Save

Comprehensive reference guide to Kubernetes, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Kubernetes, regardless of their level of experience.

Getting Started with Docker

Paperback

Site Reliability Engineering

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to site reliability engineering (SRE), a set of practices that help organizations to build and operate reliable and scalable systems.

Site Reliability Engineering: How Google Runs...

Kindle Edition

Cloud Native DevOps with Kubernetes

Save

Provides a practical guide to implementing cloud native DevOps with Kubernetes. It covers everything you need to know to build and deploy cloud native applications, from CI/CD to monitoring.

Cloud Native DevOps with Kubernetes: Building,...

Paperback

Cloud Native DevOps with Kubernetes: Building,...

Paperback

$$$

(Deutsch) Cloud Native DevOps mit Kubernetes: Bauen, Deployen...

Kindle Edition

Monitoring with Prometheus

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to Docker, a platform for building, shipping, and running applications in containers. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Docker, regardless of their level of experience.

Monitoring with Prometheus

Kindle Edition

Quick Start Kubernetes

Save

Provides a collection of best practices for running Kubernetes in production. It covers everything from security to performance, and valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Kubernetes.

Quick Start Kubernetes

Paperback

Quick Start Kubernetes: Large-print

Paperback

Quick Start Kubernetes: 2024 edition

Kindle Edition

Kubernetes Patterns

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Provides a collection of patterns for using Kubernetes in production. It covers a variety of topics, from security to performance, and valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Kubernetes.

Kubernetes Patterns: Reusable Elements for...

Paperback

Kubernetes Patterns: Reusable Elements for...

Paperback

(Deutsch) Kubernetes Patterns: Wiederverwendbare Muster zum...

Kindle Edition

Microservices Patterns

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Provides a collection of patterns for designing and implementing microservices. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about microservices, regardless of their level of experience.

Microservices Patterns: With examples in Java

Paperback

Microservices Patterns: With examples in Java

Kindle Edition

Building Microservices

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Provides a collection of patterns for designing and implementing resilient distributed systems. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about distributed systems, regardless of their level of experience.

Building Microservices: Designing Fine-Grained...

Paperback

Building Microservices: Designing Fine-Grained...

Paperback

Building Microservices: Designing Fine-Grained...

Spiral-bound

$$$

Building Microservices

Kindle Edition

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