kubectl apply vs create in Kubernetes - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What does kubectl create do?

kubectl create makes a new resource in Kubernetes from a file or command. It fails if the resource already exists.

beginner

What is the main purpose of kubectl apply?

kubectl apply creates or updates a resource by applying changes from a file. It can update existing resources without deleting them.

beginner

Can kubectl create update an existing resource?

No, kubectl create will fail if the resource already exists. It only creates new resources.

intermediate

How does kubectl apply handle changes to resources?

kubectl apply compares the current resource state with the desired state in the file and updates only the differences.

beginner

When should you prefer kubectl apply over kubectl create?

Use kubectl apply when you want to manage resources declaratively and update them safely over time.

What happens if you run kubectl create on a resource that already exists?

A It fails with an error

B It deletes the resource

C It updates the resource

D It ignores the command

kubectl create fails if the resource already exists. It does not update or ignore.

Which command can update an existing Kubernetes resource?

A kubectl create

B kubectl apply

C kubectl delete

D kubectl get

kubectl apply updates existing resources by applying changes.

What is the main benefit of using kubectl apply?

A It only creates new resources

B It deletes resources safely

C It manages resources declaratively and updates them

D It shows resource status

kubectl apply lets you manage resources declaratively and update them safely.

Which command should you use to create a resource only once?

A kubectl create

B kubectl replace

C kubectl edit

D kubectl apply

kubectl create is used to create a resource once and will fail if it exists.

If you want to update a resource without deleting it first, which command is best?

A kubectl create

B kubectl expose

C kubectl delete

D kubectl apply

kubectl apply updates resources without deleting them first.

Explain the difference between kubectl create and kubectl apply.

Think about creating new vs updating existing resources.

When would you choose to use kubectl apply instead of kubectl create in your workflow?

Consider how you manage changes to resources.