Idempotency means that repeating the same Kubernetes API operation leaves resource state unchanged after the first successful application. This makes declarative infrastructure behavior consistent and predictable. section 1.9
Distinguish common resource commands by their repeated-call behavior:
- create expects no existing resource and fails when one is already present. section 1.9
- apply can create or update a resource while preserving declarative, repeatable behavior. section 1.9
- replace deletes and recreates the resource; on a Deployment, this triggers a new rollout. section 1.9
Repeat a declarative application
Run the same kubectl apply call against a resource manifest multiple times. After the first successful application, the resource remains in the same state rather than accumulating additional changes. section 1.9
