Linux Foundation KCNA glossary of Kubernetes and cloud native terms, traps, and decision cues.
Use this glossary when Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) terms start to blur together. The goal is practical recognition, not encyclopedia coverage.
| Term | Exam meaning |
|---|---|
| Pod | Smallest Kubernetes workload unit, usually one app container plus supporting containers. |
| Deployment | Controller that manages replica sets and rolling updates for pods. |
| Service | Stable network abstraction that routes to selected pods. |
| Namespace | Logical partition for organizing resources and applying policies. |
| RBAC | Role-based access control for Kubernetes API permissions. |
| Probe | Health check used for readiness, liveness, or startup state. |
| Pair | How to separate them |
|---|---|
| Kubernetes fundamentals vs Cloud native architecture | Ask which layer the scenario is testing, then match the answer to that layer only. |
| Control vs evidence | A control changes behavior; evidence proves behavior or supports investigation. |
| Managed service vs custom build | Managed services win for lower operational effort unless the requirement needs unsupported customization. |
| Prevention vs detection | Prevention blocks or reduces a bad event; detection finds or reports that it happened. |
Do not memorize terms in isolation. For each term, write one scenario where it is the best answer, one scenario where it is a distractor, and one signal that proves it worked.