May 11, 2024
Updated July 19, 2025
13 minute read
Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (Amazon EKS) makes it easy to deploy, manage, and scale containerized applications on AWS. With Amazon EKS, you can enjoy the benefits of Kubernetes, without the burden of managing the underlying infrastructure. Amazon EKS provides a fully managed Kubernetes service that takes care of all the heavy lifting for you, such as provisioning and scaling the Kubernetes control plane, maintaining the Kubernetes masters, and patching the Kubernetes software.
Why Learn AWS EKS?
There are many benefits to learning AWS EKS. Some of the benefits include:
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Find a path to becoming a AWS EKS. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/dbj97j/aws
Reading list
We've selected 25 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
AWS EKS.
Is specifically focused on AWS EKS, offering guidance on deploying and managing EKS clusters. It covers everything from the basics of containers and Kubernetes to advanced topics like networking, security, and scaling within the AWS ecosystem. This must-read for anyone working directly with EKS.
Specifically addresses using Kubernetes with AWS EKS, covering practical aspects like provisioning clusters, using Fargate, scaling, networking, and storage. It's a focused resource for users who want to dive directly into EKS implementation details and best practices.
Is an excellent introduction to Kubernetes, covering the basics of the platform and how to use it to manage containerized applications. It is written by three of the original creators of Kubernetes, so it is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.
Considered a comprehensive guide to developing and running applications in a Kubernetes environment, this book is highly recommended for gaining a deep understanding of Kubernetes internals and operations. It's an excellent resource for solidifying knowledge before diving specifically into the AWS EKS implementation details.
Focusing on configuring and extending Kubernetes for production environments, this book is highly relevant for those operating AWS EKS in a professional setting. It covers best practices for building successful application platforms on Kubernetes, offering insights into real-world challenges and solutions.
Focusing on the practical aspects of building, deploying, and scaling applications in a cloud-native environment using Kubernetes, this book is highly relevant to the operational side of AWS EKS. It covers the integration of DevOps practices with Kubernetes, providing valuable context for managing EKS clusters effectively.
Given the mention of Terraform in the course list, this book is essential for understanding Infrastructure as Code, a key practice for managing AWS EKS clusters efficiently. It provides a comprehensive introduction to Terraform and covers managing infrastructure across various cloud platforms, including AWS.
Security is paramount in cloud-native environments. delves into the fundamental technology concepts that protect containerized applications. It provides essential knowledge for securing workloads running on AWS EKS, covering topics relevant to contemporary cloud security practices.
Is geared towards advanced learners already familiar with Kubernetes fundamentals. It covers a wide range of topics, including service meshes and networking, which are relevant for optimizing and managing EKS clusters at scale. It serves as a great reference for deepening understanding.
Provides a solid introduction to Kubernetes, which is fundamental to understanding AWS EKS. It covers core concepts and practical applications, making it suitable for those new to container orchestration. While not exclusively about AWS EKS, it lays the necessary groundwork for anyone looking to work with managed Kubernetes services.
Operators are a method for packaging, deploying, and managing Kubernetes applications. provides a hands-on guide to automating container orchestration with Kubernetes Operators, a contemporary topic for extending EKS capabilities. It's suitable for those looking to build more sophisticated cloud-native applications.
Co-authored by a Kubernetes co-founder, this book provides insights into operating Kubernetes clusters in the real world. While slightly older, its coverage of how Kubernetes works internally is timeless and valuable for understanding the underlying mechanisms of EKS. It's a good reference for cluster operators.
Explores reusable elements and patterns for designing cloud-native applications on Kubernetes. Understanding these patterns is crucial for building robust and scalable applications that will run on AWS EKS. It's more valuable as additional reading to inform architectural decisions.
Optimizing cloud costs key consideration when running workloads on AWS EKS. provides a comprehensive guide to cloud financial management and optimization, directly relevant to the 'Optimizing an EKS Cluster for Price and Performance' course. It's valuable for professionals managing EKS environments.
Is known for being an easy read and a solid introduction to Kubernetes, suitable for beginners. It covers the fundamentals and helps readers become proficient with Kubernetes, including deployment on platforms like Amazon EKS. It's a good starting point before moving on to more advanced EKS-specific topics.
Comprehensive guide to Kubernetes, covering everything from the basics to advanced topics such as scaling, networking, and security. It is written by three experienced Kubernetes engineers, so it is full of practical advice and real-world examples.
While covering FinOps across multiple cloud providers, this book's focus on cloud financial management and optimization is highly relevant to managing costs on AWS EKS. It provides practical guidance for implementing FinOps principles, complementing the technical knowledge of EKS with financial accountability.
While a study guide, this book covers the skills required to be a certified Kubernetes application developer. The topics covered are directly applicable to deploying and managing applications on AWS EKS, making it a practical resource for developers and a good way to solidify understanding through exam preparation.
Since AWS EKS runs containers, a solid understanding of Docker is beneficial. offers a comprehensive look at Docker, from basics to more advanced concepts. It serves as valuable prerequisite reading for anyone new to containerization before diving into Kubernetes and EKS.
Offering practical recipes for building cloud-native applications on Kubernetes, this book is useful for hands-on learning and quick solutions to common tasks on AWS EKS. It focuses on practical examples and can be a valuable reference for developers and operators.
A foundational understanding of Docker is crucial for working with container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes and AWS EKS. is designed for developers and DevOps teams to learn how to work with Docker, build images, and integrate Docker into their workflow. It serves as excellent prerequisite material.
Is an excellent resource for anyone preparing for the AWS Certified Kubernetes Specialist exam. It covers all of the topics on the exam in detail, and it is written by three experienced Kubernetes engineers.
This is the second edition of the popular AWS Certified Kubernetes Specialist Study Guide book. It has been updated to cover the latest features of the AWS Certified Kubernetes Specialist exam.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/dbj97j/aws