Kubernetes Roadmap

A step-by-step Kubernetes roadmap: what to learn in order, the related skills and the best places to learn each step.

The stack, end to end

  • DevOps: Docker, Dockerfile, Docker Compose, Container networking, Kubernetes, Pods and deployments, Services and ingress, kubectl, Monitoring, Logging, Prometheus, Grafana, Alerting, Terraform, Infrastructure as code, Ansible
  • Cloud: AWS, EC2 and Lambda, S3, IAM, VPC

  1. Docker and containers

    Suggested pace: Start here

    A container packages an app with everything it needs so it runs the same everywhere. Learn images, containers, volumes, networks, Dockerfiles and Docker Compose.

    Skills

    • Docker
    • Dockerfile
    • Docker Compose
    • Container networking

    Tips

    • Containerise one of your own projects end to end.

    Where to learn

  2. Kubernetes

    Suggested pace: Next

    Kubernetes runs and scales containers across many machines. Learn pods, deployments, services, config, storage and how to debug a failing workload.

    Skills

    • Kubernetes
    • Pods and deployments
    • Services and ingress
    • kubectl

    Tips

    • Learn Docker properly first. Kubernetes builds on it.

    Where to learn

  3. Monitoring and logging

    Suggested pace: Then

    You cannot fix what you cannot see. Learn metrics, logs, dashboards and alerts so you notice problems before users do.

    Skills

    • Monitoring
    • Logging
    • Prometheus
    • Grafana
    • Alerting

    Tips

    • Alert on what users feel (errors and slowness), not on every small blip.

    Where to learn

  4. Infrastructure as code

    Suggested pace: After that

    Describe servers, networks and databases in code so they can be reviewed, repeated and rolled back. Terraform is the most common tool; Ansible helps configure machines.

    Skills

    • Terraform
    • Infrastructure as code
    • Ansible

    Tips

    • Create and destroy a small environment several times until it is boring.

    Where to learn

  5. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

    Suggested pace: Later

    Learn the core services: compute (EC2, Lambda), storage (S3), databases (RDS, DynamoDB), networking (VPC), identity (IAM) and monitoring. Use the free tier and set a budget alert.

    Skills

    • AWS
    • EC2 and Lambda
    • S3
    • IAM
    • VPC

    Tips

    • Set a billing alert before you create anything, and delete what you are not using.

    Where to learn

Frequently asked questions

Where should I start with Kubernetes?

Start at step 1 and work down in order, because later steps build on earlier ones. If you are signed in, the roadmap compares your resume with each step and marks where you could start.

Is Kubernetes worth learning?

Check how many job adverts in your area mention Kubernetes, and whether it fits the kind of work you want. This roadmap shows what to learn; the Browse jobs page shows what employers are asking for.

How do I know I am ready to apply?

When you can build a small project from start to finish without copying a tutorial, and explain why you made your choices. Apply while you keep learning; you do not need to know everything.