Kubernetes in Action, Second Edition: Deploying and managing containers and cloud-native applications

by Marko Luksa, Kevin Conner

Kubernetes is an essential tool for anyone deploying and managing cloud-native applications. Kubernetes in Action, Second Edition is a fully-updated and comprehensive guide to developing and running applications in a Kubernetes environment. Kubernetes is an essential tool for anyone deploying and managing cloud-native applications. Kubernetes in Action, Second Edition is a fully-updated and comprehensive guide to developing and running applications in a Kubernetes environment. It lays out a complete introduction to container technologies and containerized applications along with practical tips for efficient deployment and operation. This revised edition of the bestselling original contains new coverage of the Kubernetes architecture, including the Kubernetes API, and a deep dive into managing a Kubernetes cluster in production. About the technology Kubernetes is Greek for “helmsman,” your guide through unknown waters. The Kubernetes container orchestration system safely manages the structure and flow of a distributed application, organizing containers and services for maximum efficiency. Kubernetes serves as an operating system for your clusters, reducing the need to factor the underlying network and server infrastructure into your designs. As more and more applications are created using cloud-native and container-based architectures, Kubernetes has become an essential tool for modern developers to master. About the book Kubernetes in Action, Second Edition teaches you to use Kubernetes to deploy container-based distributed applications. You'll start with an overview of how Docker containers work with Kubernetes and move quickly to building your first cluster. You'll gradually expand your initial application, adding features and deepening your knowledge of Kubernetes architecture and operation. In this revised and expanded second edition, you’ll take a deep dive into the structure of a Kubernetes-based application and discover how to manage a Kubernetes cluster in production. As you navigate this comprehensive guide, you'll also appreciate thorough coverage of high-value topics like monitoring, tuning, and scaling. What's inside Up and running with Kubernetes Deploying containers across a cluster Securing clusters Updating applications with zero downtime About the reader Written for intermediate software developers with little or no familiarity with Docker or container orchestration systems. About the author Marko Lukša is an engineer at Red Hat working on Kubernetes and OpenShift. Kevin Conner is the Chief Engineer with GetUp Cloud, a startup focusing on Kubernetes and DevSecOps.

Genres: Technology

1256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2026

Reviews

[Lokeshwar Vangala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the few Kubernetes books I’d actually recommend without hesitation. It explains things in a way that doesn’t feel rushed. It starts with the basics, but slowly builds into harder topics like networking, scaling, and real cluster behavior. The explanations are not just theory, they connect back to what you actually see when working with Kubernetes.

The second edition feels updated in the right places. Topics like Gateway API and newer Kubernetes concepts are included, but it doesn’t feel like it is chasing every new feature. It still focuses on fundamentals, which is what most people need. This is not an easy “get started in a few hours” book. Some chapters take time, and you will likely need to re-read parts or try things out in a cluster to really understand them. But that is also what makes it useful. It doesn’t skip the hard parts.

One thing to keep in mind is that it may feel a bit heavy if you are completely new to containers or distributed systems. It works better if you already have some exposure and want to go deeper. It’s a solid reference and learning book for anyone serious about Kubernetes, especially if you want something you can come back to instead of reading once.

[Damaraju Panduranga]

Kubernetes in Action by Marko Lukša is hands down the most comprehensive and technically brilliant guide to container orchestration I have ever read. Marko’s deep technical vocal knowledge shines through every chapter, making even the most complex Kubernetes internals feel approachable and intuitive. His ability to articulate intricate concepts like pod scheduling, service discovery, and cluster management with such clarity is a testament to his extraordinary expertise. A must-read for every DevOps engineer and cloud architect serious about mastering Kubernetes.”
— Vittal Damaraju​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​