Azure Kubernetes Service

Working with AKS

Section Introduction

In this lesson, you’ll build a strong foundation for deploying, managing, and scaling containerized applications on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). Whether you’re new to Kubernetes or looking to deepen your expertise, this module equips you with the essential concepts and hands-on skills to succeed in production environments.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Understand Kubernetes core components: pods, deployments, services, and namespaces
  • Provision and configure an AKS cluster via the Azure portal
  • Deploy applications using kubectl and implement scaling strategies
  • Manage container images with Azure Container Registry (ACR)
  • Perform application upgrades and rollbacks in AKS
  • Centrally govern multiple clusters using Azure Kubernetes Fleet

Prerequisites

Make sure you have:

  • An active Azure subscription
  • Azure CLI installed and logged in (az login)
  • Basic familiarity with Docker containers

Kubernetes Core Concepts

Resource TypePurposeExample CLI Command
PodSmallest deployable unitkubectl run nginx --image=nginx
DeploymentDeclarative updates and self-healingkubectl create deployment webapp --image=myregistry/webapp
ServiceStable network endpoint for podskubectl expose deployment webapp --port=80 --type=ClusterIP
NamespaceLogical cluster partitioningkubectl create namespace dev-environment

Lesson Overview

  1. Kubernetes Fundamentals
    Dive into pods, deployments, services, and namespaces—key building blocks for any AKS deployment.

  2. Provisioning an AKS Cluster
    Step through the Azure portal to create your cluster, configure networking, and set up node pools.

  3. Application Deployment & Scaling
    Use kubectl to deploy, scale, and update your applications seamlessly.

  4. Container Image Management
    Push and version images in Azure Container Registry (ACR), and integrate ACR with AKS for secure pulls.

  5. Upgrades & Rollbacks
    Implement rolling updates and rollbacks to maintain availability during application releases.

  6. Centralized Fleet Management
    Orchestrate multiple clusters with Azure Kubernetes Fleet for consistent policy enforcement and simplified operations.

The image shows an agenda with topics related to Kubernetes, including an overview, deploying an AKS cluster, scaling deployments, pushing images to ACR, upgrading applications, and Azure Kubernetes Fleet.

Let’s get started on this exciting journey into AKS!

Watch Video

Watch video content

Previous
Summary