Learning Resources For Cloud Computing And Cloud Native Technologies 🚀

Aina · March 2, 2025, 11:46pm

Learning Resources for Cloud Computing and Cloud Native Technologies

Welcome to the Learning Resources section of GitGudAtCloudNative! Whether you’re training for a new career in tech, looking to advance your cloud knowledge, a hobbyist exploring new tech, or someone seeking certifications to validate your skills, this repository has resources to get you started and guide you through more advanced topics.

Cloud Computing Basics

Training for a new career? Moving into tech? Just curious? Whatever brings you here, we’ve got resources for learning the fundamentals of cloud computing. Start with the basics and gradually move to more advanced topics, covering:

Core Cloud Concepts: Understand what cloud computing is, its service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and its deployment models (public, private, hybrid, multi-cloud).
Cloud Service Providers (CSPs): Explore the top providers – AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and others – to understand their offerings, strengths, and best use cases.
Getting Started with Workloads: Resources on deploying your first workloads, basic infrastructure management, and cost-effective practices.
Comparing CSPs: Get insights into each provider’s unique features, pricing structures, and regions to make informed decisions on which to use.

Plus, I’ll share my personal opinions on the best way to start and why I recommend certain approaches over others. Feel free to contribute if you have resources or insights to add!

Cloud Computing Certification Exams Learning Resources

Welcome to the Learning resources page for cloud certification exams and related technologies! Here you’ll find resources, notes, and recommended study material to help you prepare for various cloud certifications. Whether you’re studying for AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Kubernetes, or DevOps certifications, this page is packed with insights and links to helpful content.

Certification Study Cram Videos

Here are some curated YouTube videos to help reinforce your knowledge on cloud computing, cloud-native technologies, and DevOps principles. These videos cover essential topics and are a great resource for anyone studying for certifications.

1. Azure

2. AWS

3. K8s en Espanol

4. Kubernetes for Absolute Beginners

5. GitOps

6. Security

Topics Covered

The study notes and resources here focus on key certification topics across major cloud providers and technologies, including:

AWS Certification: Solutions Architect, SysOps, Developer, and more.
Microsoft Azure Certifications: Fundamentals, Administrator, and Architect roles.
Google Cloud Certifications: Associate and Professional certifications.
Kubernetes Certifications: Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) and Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD).
DevOps & CI/CD: Best practices, tools, and pipelines for modern DevOps workflows.
Cloud Security: Security practices and certification topics for cloud platforms.

Study Tips

Hands-on Practice: Use free-tier accounts on cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) to practice deploying resources.
Study in Chunks: Break down complex topics into manageable study sessions.
Join Study Groups: Find online communities or study groups for accountability and support.
Take Practice Exams: Many certifications offer practice exams or sample questions. These are invaluable for understanding the format and areas to focus on.

Happy studying, and best of luck with your certification journey!

Cloud Native Technologies

So, what the &^$% is Cloud Native? Cloud Native technologies are the backbone of scalable, resilient applications in the cloud. They’re the tools and practices that allow organizations to develop, deploy, and manage applications that take full advantage of the cloud environment. Here’s where to start and what you need to know:

Core Cloud Native Tools

Docker: The foundational technology for containerization, allowing apps to run consistently across environments.
Kubernetes: The gold standard for container orchestration, enabling the management, scaling, and automation of containerized applications.
Service Meshes: Tools like Istio and Linkerd that provide reliable communication, security, and monitoring between services within an app.
CI/CD Pipelines: Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, and GitHub Actions for automating the build, test, and deployment processes.

Why You Need Cloud Native Skills

Most cloud-based workloads integrate one or more of these tools, making knowledge of Cloud Native technologies essential. Learning these will help you understand how companies:

Scale Applications: Ensure applications can grow and handle large user bases or traffic increases without breaking.
Decentralize Solutions: Break down monolithic applications into microservices for easier management and updates.
Implement Observability: Monitor, log, and trace applications to ensure performance and troubleshoot issues.

Once you have a solid grasp of Cloud Computing, jump into Cloud Native to understand the next level of cloud operations. I’ve compiled resources on each of these technologies, why they’re important, and the best starting points.

Kubernetes Learning Resources

My philosophy is this: Container orchestration is here to stay. It is becoming ubiquitous at a rapid pace, and the rise of AI will only accelerate this. Getting to know “the cloud” is only the beginning, so even having a basic familiarity with Cloud Native technologies is a must if you’re looking to kick-start your career as a “Cloud Engineer” (which is basically an umbrella term more than a role nowadays).

So What Is “Cloud Native”?

In short, it is technology meant to take advantage of cloud computing environments, their scaling capabilities, compute power, and their decentralized nature.

According to the CNCF or, Cloud Native Computing Foundation, the leading organization in steering the way for Cloud Native technologies, Cloud Native is defined as: “Cloud native practices empower organizations to develop, build, and deploy workloads in computing environments (public, private, hybrid cloud) to meet their organizational needs at scale in a programmatic and repeatable manner. It is characterized by loosely coupled systems that interoperate in a secure, resilient, manageable, sustainable, and observable manner. Cloud Native technologies and architectures typically consist of some combination of containers, service meshes, multi-tenancy, microservices, immutable infrastructure, serverless, and declarative APIs”

So, think of the following:

Container Orchestration (Kubernetes, Google Borg, Docker Borg, Docker Swarm, Openshift)
Containers (Docker, etc)
Data Lakes (Delta Lake)
Service Meshes
Microservices
Serverless Computing
API Gateways
Observation and Monitoring Tools

Feel intimidated yet? Don’t be. Baby steps. I was learning once, and still am, and this is intended to share my journey, past and ongoing. So you’re not alone.

Index

Get Started with Docker

If you’re new to containerization, these resources will help you get started with Docker.

Deploy Cloud-Native Apps Using Azure Container Apps: Microsoft Learn’s module that teaches how to deploy cloud-native applications using Azure Container Apps, ideal for Azure enthusiasts.
Docker Essentials - Cognitive Class: A beginner-level course on Docker, covering container basics, how to work with Docker images and containers, and managing Docker Hub.

My Aggregated Study Notes

Study Notes: Taken from a variety of sources, including the official docs, they have been beneficial when I have been stuck. If you’re considering going for your KCNA, these are great to read over.
Lofi Study Cram: A relaxed, narrated version of the study notes created with AWS Polly, set over my own Lofi beats meant for you to listen to while exercising, driving or working. it works for me, so I figured I’d share.

Introductory Kubernetes Courses

Not sure what Kubernetes (K8s) is? Start here with these foundational courses.

Linux Foundation Introduction to Kubernetes: Official introductory course by the Linux Foundation.
Linux Foundation Introduction to Kubernetes on EdX: The same official course, hosted on EdX.
Civo Academy: Free Kubernetes and cloud-native technology courses covering the essentials of cloud-native development, containers, and Kubernetes.

K8s Video Theory

A couple of reccomended videos that explain Kubernetes concepts, uses cases etc.

Learn Kubernetes - KodeKloud: A comprehensive beginner-friendly introduction to Kubernetes by KodeKloud, covering the core concepts and practical demonstrations.
Kubernetes Tutorial - Techworld with Nana: Another excellent Kubernetes tutorial by Techworld with Nana, offering clear explanations and hands-on examples.

Kubernetes Hands-On Learning Resources

Here you will find resources to help you practice Kubernetes with real-world, hands-on labs and environments.

Google Cloud Kubernetes Lab: Hands-on Kubernetes lab offered by Google Cloud.
KillerCoda: An interactive learning platform for Kubernetes with real scenarios.
Killer Shell: Practice environment for Kubernetes, great for preparing for the CKA/CKAD exams.
Play with K8s: A free tool that lets you create Kubernetes clusters in your browser and experiment.
IBM Kubernetes Service Tutorials: IBM’s collection of Kubernetes tutorials to help you get started with managing applications in Kubernetes clusters using the IBM Kubernetes Service.
Get Started with Kubernetes: An amazing list of Kubernetes Labs and Tutorials

Installing Kubernetes Locally

Ready to start working with K8s locally? Here are some ways to do it. Docker Desktop and Multipass are probably easiest, but if you are up for it, spin up Minikube or K3s!

MicroK8s with Multipass: MicroK8s is a small, fast, and secure Kubernetes installation from Canonical, ideal for local setups. Multipass creates isolated VMs to run MicroK8s, simplifying the process of spinning up Kubernetes clusters on your local machine.
Docker Desktop Kubernetes: Docker Desktop includes a simple way to enable a single-node Kubernetes cluster on your local machine. If you are already using Docker for container development, this is an easy way to integrate Kubernetes into your workflow.
Minikube: Minikube is a tool that lets you run Kubernetes locally on your machine. It supports all Kubernetes features and is an excellent option for beginners who want a full Kubernetes experience on their local machine.
K3s: Lightweight Kubernetes distribution by Rancher Labs. K3s is a simplified and minimal installation of Kubernetes that works well for local development and testing, particularly on edge devices or low-resource environments.

Free and Low-Cost Certifications

Interested in certifications but worried about cost? I’ve included a section on free and low-cost certification options to help you validate your skills without breaking the bank. Certifications are great for boosting credibility, whether you’re a job seeker or looking to advance in your current role. Some topics covered:

Free certifications and trials offered by major CSPs
Affordable alternatives and practice exams
Tips on studying effectively to pass exams without retakes

Free Credentials You Can Learn and Earn

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure

Salesforce

Salesforce AI Associate <== NEW
Salesforce AI Specialist <== NEW

Slack

Various Certified Slack Digital Skills <== NEW

Harness

ISC2

ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity

Databricks

Google Cloud

Google Skillshop

Google Ads/Analytics/Marketing Certifications <== NEW

Buoyant

Service Mesh 101

Solo.io

Alteryx (link often goes to 403 forbidden, so copy and paste in browser or use search engine to find info on them)

Designer Cloud Core <== NEW
Designer Cloud, Trifacta Classic Core Certification <== NEW
Designer Cloud, Trifacta Classic Advanced <== NEW
Designer Cloud, Trifacta Classic Administrator <== NEW
Additional Certifications including Micro Credentials, Designer Desktop & Server <== NEW

IBM Cognizant Class

AWS Skillbuilder Learning Badges

AWS Skillbuilder Learning Badges

Microsoft Applied Skill Badges

Applied Skill Badges - Cloud Skills Including Containers, AI, and More

I will be updating this list soon with a more comprehensive list of low-cost credentials you can earn as well.

Explore low Cost Certification Resources

Personal Projects

I’ve included some of my personal projects here to give you examples of how I’m applying these technologies in real-world scenarios. Feel free to explore, learn from, or even fork and contribute to these projects:

Beatsinthe.cloud Project

Source: GitHub