What is Pod?

The smallest unit you can deploy in Kubernetes, made of one or more containers that run together.

In plain English

Containers in the same pod share a network address and can share storage, and they are always placed on the same node. Most pods hold a single main container, with extra helper containers only when they must work closely together. Pods are disposable: when one dies a controller creates a replacement, which is why you should not rely on a single pod’s IP address.

Example

A web pod might hold the app container plus a small container that ships its logs.

Easy to confuse with

• Kubernetes Service: A pod is the running workload. A service gives a stable name and address to reach a changing set of pods.

Where you will meet it

This idea belongs to the subject area of these practice tests. We do not publish or predict real exam questions.

• KCNA practice tests
• KCSA practice tests

Related terms

• Kubernetes Service: A stable network address and name that sends traffic to a changing group of pods.
• Kubernetes Deployment: An object that keeps a chosen number of identical pods running and updates them safely.
• Container vs virtual machine: A virtual machine includes a whole operating system. A container shares the host’s operating system kernel and packages only the app and what it needs.

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