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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A Kubernetes YAML manifest describes an API object and the state you want the cluster to maintain. To apply one safely, check that kubectl is connected to the intended cluster, review the manifest, preview its changes when appropriate, and run kubectl apply -f. A Deployment is a useful first example because it manages the desired number of application Pods—but it does not, by itself, make an application reachable from outside the cluster.
What is a Kubernetes YAML file?
A Kubernetes YAML file, often called a manifest, is a serialized description of a Kubernetes API object and its desired state. Kubernetes documentation puts the convention plainly: “By convention, manifests are YAML (you could also use JSON format).” (Kubernetes: Objects In Kubernetes)
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Rather than issuing a separate command for each change, you declare the configuration in a file, keep it under version control, and use kubectl apply to send it to the cluster through the Kubernetes API. Kubernetes reconciles the declared configuration with the object it manages. The four fields commonly found at the top of a manifest are:
apiVersion: the API group and version used to describe the object.kind: the type of object, such asDeployment.metadata: identifying information, commonly including a name and labels.spec: the desired configuration. Its fields depend on the object’s kind; it is not a universal, identical block across Kubernetes resources.
What does apiVersion mean in Kubernetes YAML?
apiVersion tells Kubernetes which version of the API to use when interpreting the object definition. Different kinds use different API groups and versions; for example, the Deployment below uses apps/v1. Do not assume that one version applies to every kind. Consult the API reference for the cluster version you use, or inspect available fields with kubectl explain.
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How do I create a Kubernetes deployment YAML file?
Create a plain-text file named deployment.yaml. This example declares a Deployment with two replicas. The image, replica count, namespace, and labels are choices to adapt to your application and cluster; verify that the image is available to the cluster and that the selected API is appropriate for your environment.
apiVersion: apps/v1
kind: Deployment
metadata:
name: web
namespace: default
labels:
app: web
spec:
replicas: 2
selector:
matchLabels:
app: web
template:
metadata:
labels:
app: web
spec:
containers:
- name: web
image: nginx:1.27The selector under spec identifies which Pods this Deployment manages. Its matchLabels value must match the labels on the Pod template; here, both use app: web. The template describes the Pods the Deployment creates, including the container name and image. replicas: 2 declares the desired number of instances, which the Deployment controller works to maintain. Kubernetes’ Deployment documentation explains this workload pattern: Deployments.
Fields and constraints vary by resource kind. To explore a field before adding it, use kubectl explain deployment.spec or consult the API reference that matches your Kubernetes version.
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kubectl is the command-line client for communicating with the cluster’s control plane through the Kubernetes API. When it runs outside a cluster, it uses kubeconfig settings, including the current context and credentials. A valid YAML file alone does not establish a connection or ensure that commands target the intended cluster. Kubernetes’ kubectl reference describes the client, and its kubeconfig documentation explains cluster access configuration.
- Use a cluster that is running and that you are authorized to change. For learning, choose a safe, non-production environment.
- Check which context is active with
kubectl config current-context. If it is not the intended context, select the correct one before continuing. - Review the file for the intended namespace, image, labels, selector, and replica count. Treat a manifest change as a change to cluster state.
- Preview the proposed differences with
kubectl diff -f deployment.yaml. Review the output before applying; the preview is not a substitute for confirming the target context.
Keep manifests in source control so changes can be reviewed and tracked. The Kubernetes documentation recommends declarative resource management with configuration files rather than relying on imperative commands as the ongoing workflow: Declarative Management of Kubernetes Objects Using Configuration Files.
How do I apply a YAML file in Kubernetes?
When the context and manifest are correct, apply the file with:
kubectl apply -f deployment.yamlThe command accepts YAML or JSON. It creates the resource if it does not exist and updates it when it does. For this first example, use a single file; as related manifests accumulate, kubectl apply -f can also target a directory, while kubectl apply -k applies a Kustomize directory. See the kubectl apply command reference for supported forms.
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After applying, inspect the object and its Pods:
kubectl get deployment web -n default
kubectl get pods -n default
kubectl describe deployment web -n defaultThese commands report what the cluster sees; use their output to check the Deployment’s status and investigate events or other problems. If you edit the manifest, repeat the review-and-preview process, then apply the changed file. Avoid treating a successful local edit—or even a successful apply—as proof that the workload is healthy.
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What a Deployment does not provide
A Deployment manages workload instances; it does not provide ordinary access to those Pods from outside the cluster. Pods are private to the cluster by default. For normal service-based access, create a Kubernetes Service, then configure any external exposure needed for your environment. The exposure mechanism depends on the Service configuration and cluster environment. See the Kubernetes documentation on Services.
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