Discuss Linux Foundation CNPA Exam Topic 3 Question 22

In a GitOps approach, how should the desired state of a system be managed and integrated?

ABy storing it in Git, and manually pushing updates through CI/CD pipelines.

BAs custom Kubernetes resources, stored and applied directly to the system.

CBy using a centralized management tool to push changes immediately to all environments.

DBy storing it so it is versioned and immutable, and pulled automatically into the system.

Suggested Answer: D

The GitOps model is built on the principle that the desired state of infrastructure and applications must be stored in Git as the single source of truth. Option D is correct because Git provides versioning, immutability, and auditability, while reconciliation controllers (e.g., Argo CD or Flux) pull the desired state into the system continuously. This ensures that actual cluster state always matches the declared Git state.

Option A is partially correct but fails because GitOps eliminates manual push workflows---automation ensures changes are pulled and reconciled. Option B describes Kubernetes CRDs, which may be part of the system but do not embody GitOps on their own. Option C contradicts GitOps principles, which rely on pull-based reconciliation, not centralized push.

Storing desired state in Git provides full traceability, automated rollbacks, and continuous reconciliation, improving reliability and compliance. This makes GitOps a core practice for cloud native platform engineering.

--- CNCF GitOps Principles

--- CNCF Platforms Whitepaper

--- Cloud Native Platform Engineering Study Guide

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5 comments · newest first

Leatha 2 days ago

D is the way to go! Versioned and immutable is key.

Marge 7 days ago

I feel like option A is too manual for GitOps. It should be more automated, which makes me think D is the right answer.

Julieta 12 days ago

I'm a bit confused about option B. Custom Kubernetes resources sound familiar, but I can't recall if they fit into the GitOps model directly.

Gregg 17 days ago

I think we practiced a similar question where the focus was on immutability and versioning. That makes me lean towards option D as well.

Jacki 22 days ago

I remember we discussed how GitOps emphasizes storing the desired state in Git, but I'm not sure if option D is the best choice.

Linux Foundation CNPA Exam - Topic 3 Question 22 Discussion