Skip to main content

Practice Makes Perfect 🥷🏻🚀

At this point, your Raspberry Pis should be configured, and you should have a basic understanding of Kubernetes. Most importantly, you know why you're learning all of this. Now, let's move into the practical side of things by using kubectl (pronounced "kube-control").

Until we start using tools like helm, kubectl will be your best friend. As I've mentioned before in previous sections or during my live streams, we should add tools and abstractions only once the work becomes repetitive and frustrating.

In this case, we aren't going to use helm until we've learned how to use kubectl thoroughly and memorized the key commands. Mastering the basics will help us build a strong foundation and make it clear when it's time to introduce new abstractions.

Learning Path Overview​

This practice section is organized into a progressive learning path that starts with basic Kubernetes concepts and gradually introduces the infrastructure components you'll use in production. Each exercise builds on the previous one, so it's best to follow them in order.

Prerequisites​

Before starting these exercises, make sure you have:

  • K3s cluster running and accessible
  • kubectl configured and connected to your cluster
  • Basic understanding of containers and YAML
  • Access to your cluster via kubectl get nodes (should show your nodes)

How to Use This Guide​

  1. Start with Beginner exercises - Even if you have some experience, these establish the foundation
  2. Complete exercises in order - Each builds on concepts from previous ones
  3. Practice both ways - Try commands first, then create YAML files
  4. Verify your work - Always run the verification steps
  5. Clean up - Remove resources after each exercise to keep your cluster clean

Practice Exercises​

Beginner Level​

Start here if you're new to Kubernetes. These exercises cover the fundamental concepts you'll use everywhere.

  1. Basic Kubernetes Resources - Pods, Deployments, and Services
  2. Namespaces and Resources - Organizing your cluster
  3. ConfigMaps and Secrets - Managing configuration and sensitive data

Intermediate Level​

Once you're comfortable with basics, these exercises introduce storage and networking concepts.

  1. Persistent Volumes - Understanding storage in Kubernetes
  2. Longhorn Storage - Using Longhorn for persistent storage
  3. Services and Networking - Different service types and networking patterns

Advanced Level​

These exercises combine everything you've learned and introduce database management and complete application stacks.

  1. CloudNative PG Basics - Creating and managing PostgreSQL clusters
  2. CloudNative PG Advanced - Database management, backups, and advanced features
  3. Complete Application - Full-stack application with database, storage, and services

Progression Guide​

Level 1: Basic Kubernetes (Exercises 01-03)​

What you'll learn:

  • Creating and managing Pods, Deployments, and Services
  • Working with namespaces
  • Managing configuration with ConfigMaps and Secrets

Infrastructure components: None yet - pure Kubernetes basics

Time estimate: 1-2 hours

Level 2: Storage and Networking (Exercises 04-06)​

What you'll learn:

  • PersistentVolumeClaims and storage concepts
  • Using Longhorn for distributed storage
  • Different service types and networking patterns

Infrastructure components: Longhorn

Time estimate: 2-3 hours

Level 3: Databases and Advanced Topics (Exercises 07-10)​

What you'll learn:

  • Managing PostgreSQL with CloudNative PG
  • Database backups and recovery
  • Building complete application stacks

Infrastructure components: CloudNative PG, Longhorn

Time estimate: 3-4 hours

Tips for Success​

  1. Don't skip verification steps - They help you understand what's happening
  2. Read error messages carefully - Kubernetes error messages are usually helpful
  3. Use kubectl describe - When something doesn't work, describe the resource to see what's wrong
  4. Clean up after each exercise - Keeps your cluster manageable and helps you learn cleanup patterns
  5. Experiment - Once you complete an exercise, try modifying it to see what happens

Getting Help​

If you get stuck:

  1. Check the resource status: kubectl get <resource-type> -n <namespace>
  2. Describe the resource: kubectl describe <resource-type> <name> -n <namespace>
  3. Check events: kubectl get events -n <namespace>
  4. Review logs: kubectl logs <pod-name> -n <namespace>

Ready to Start?​

Begin with Exercise 1: Basic Kubernetes Resources and work through the exercises in order. Remember, the goal isn't to rush through them—it's to build a solid understanding of how Kubernetes works in practice.

Good luck, and have fun! 🚀