ArgoCD Sync Strategies Quiz

This quiz tests your understanding of ArgoCD synchronization strategies and options.

1. What is the difference between a "Sync" and a "Refresh" in ArgoCD?
   • A) They are the same operation
   • B) Refresh compares the current state to Git; Sync applies changes to make them match
   • C) Sync is manual, Refresh is automatic
   • D) Refresh deletes resources, Sync creates them

Show Answer

Answer: B) Refresh compares the current state to Git; Sync applies changes to make them match

Explanation: A Refresh operation fetches the latest manifests from Git and compares them to the live state, updating the Application status. A Sync operation actually applies changes to the cluster to bring the live state in line with the desired state in Git.

2. What does enabling automated sync policy do?
   • A) Automatically deletes the application
   • B) Enables automatic synchronization when the desired state differs from live state
   • C) Enables automatic rollback
   • D) Automatically creates backups

Show Answer

Answer: B) Enables automatic synchronization when the desired state differs from live state

Explanation: When syncPolicy.automated is enabled, ArgoCD will automatically sync the application whenever it detects that the live state has drifted from the desired state defined in Git.

3. What is the purpose of the prune option in automated sync?
   • A) To clean up old Git branches
   • B) To automatically delete resources that are no longer defined in Git
   • C) To remove failed deployments
   • D) To delete the application itself

Show Answer

Answer: B) To automatically delete resources that are no longer defined in Git

Explanation: When prune: true is set in automated sync, ArgoCD will automatically delete Kubernetes resources that exist in the cluster but are no longer defined in the Git repository.

4. What does selfHeal: true do in a sync policy?
   • A) Automatically fixes YAML syntax errors
   • B) Automatically syncs when live state deviates from desired state due to manual changes
   • C) Restarts unhealthy pods
   • D) Repairs corrupted Git repositories

Show Answer

Answer: B) Automatically syncs when live state deviates from desired state due to manual changes

Explanation: Self-heal ensures that if someone makes a manual change to a resource in the cluster (outside of Git), ArgoCD will automatically revert it to match the desired state in Git.

5. Which sync option would you use to replace resources instead of applying patches?
   • A) Force=true
   • B) Replace=true
   • C) Recreate=true
   • D) Update=true

Show Answer

Answer: B) Replace=true

Explanation: The Replace=true sync option tells ArgoCD to use kubectl replace instead of kubectl apply, which completely replaces the resource rather than patching it. This is useful when dealing with immutable fields.