Real-Time Kong Interview Questions and Answers [2025]

Kong Core Concepts

1. What is Kong API Gateway and its key features?

Kong API Gateway is an open-source platform for API management. Key features include:

• Dynamic routing for services.
• Plugin ecosystem for extensions.
• Integration with CI/CD pipelines.
• Rate limiting for protection.
• Authentication mechanisms.
• Real-time monitoring.
• Scalable horizontal deployment.

Kong simplifies API orchestration in microservices.

2. Why is Kong popular in DevOps?

Kong's popularity stems from its lightweight design, supporting declarative configuration and Kubernetes integration. It handles high traffic, extends with plugins, and aligns with DevSecOps for secure, scalable APIs. By reducing boilerplate code and enabling rapid iterations, Kong accelerates development cycles, making it a go-to for modern cloud-native environments.

3. When should Kong be used?

Use Kong when:

• Exposing multiple microservices.
• Requiring centralized security.
• Integrating with Kubernetes.
• Enforcing traffic policies.
• Versioning configs in Git.
• Monitoring API metrics.
• Scaling for production.

This centralizes management.

4. Where does Kong store data?

Kong stores data in:

• PostgreSQL database.
• Git for declarative files.
• CI/CD pipeline configs.
• Monitored service dashboards.
• External tools for backups.
• API-driven storage.
• Versioned repositories.

This ensures persistence.

5. Who operates Kong in teams?

DevOps engineers operate Kong. They:

• Define services and routes.
• Configure plugins.
• Integrate with pipelines.
• Monitor health metrics.
• Version in Git.
• Scale deployments.
• Resolve incidents.

This maintains API reliability.

6. Which component routes traffic?

The proxy component routes traffic, offering:

• HTTP/HTTPS handling.
• Plugin middleware execution.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored flow metrics.
• Scalable request processing.
• Load balancing.
• Error handling.

This directs requests.

7. How does Kong handle plugins?

Kong handles plugins by:

• Loading Lua middleware.
• Executing in request chain.
• Configuring via Admin API.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring plugin performance.
• Scaling for load.
• Handling errors gracefully.

Example: ```yaml plugins: - name: rate-limiting config: minute: 100 ``` This, with OpenShift, extends functionality.

Services and Routing

8. What is a Kong service?

A Kong service defines a backend API. It includes:

• Upstream URL.
• Protocol settings.
• Route associations.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored health.
• Scalable endpoints.
• Plugin compatibility.

Services represent backends.

9. Why define routes in Kong?

Routes map incoming requests to services, supporting path, method, and host matching. They enable flexible routing, reduce configuration overhead, and integrate with CI/CD for dynamic updates. This approach ensures precise traffic direction, enhancing API governance in microservices architectures.

10. When to use path-based routing?

Use path-based routing when:

• Mapping URLs to services.
• Handling versioned APIs.
• Integrating with plugins.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring path traffic.
• Scaling for endpoints.
• Troubleshooting matches.

This simplifies API exposure.

11. Where are routes defined?

Routes are defined in:

• Admin API calls.
• Declarative YAML files.
• Git repositories.
• CI/CD scripts.
• Monitored dashboards.
• External config tools.
• Database entries.

This facilitates management.

12. Who defines Kong routes?

API developers define routes. They:

• Specify path/method matches.
• Test in staging.
• Associate with services.
• Monitor routing metrics.
• Version in Git.
• Update for changes.
• Optimize for performance.

This ensures accurate mapping.

13. Which route field matches hosts?

hosts field matches hosts, offering:

• Domain-based routing.
• Integration with DNS.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored matches.
• Scalable host handling.
• Wildcard support.
• Security filtering.

This controls access.

14. How do you update routes?

Update routes by:

• Using Admin API PATCH.
• Applying declarative configs.
• Testing in staging.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring updates.
• Handling rollbacks.
• Integrating with CI/CD.

This keeps mappings current.

15. What are the challenges with route overlaps?

Route overlaps cause incorrect routing. Ambiguous paths lead to errors. Developers specify exact matches, test in staging, and monitor logs. Integration with OpenShift ensures validation, preventing disruptions in production.

Plugins and Functionality

16. What are Kong plugins?

Kong plugins add capabilities. They include:

• Rate limiting for traffic.
• Auth for security.
• Logging for observability.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored plugin chains.
• Scalable middleware.
• Custom Lua code.

Plugins extend Kong.

17. Why use rate limiting plugins?

Rate limiting protects APIs from abuse, ensuring availability. It uses algorithms like token bucket, integrates with consumers, and reduces load by 30%. Monitoring usage aligns with DevSecOps for secure, scalable traffic management in microservices.

18. When to enable auth plugins?

Enable auth plugins when:

• Securing endpoints.
• Supporting OAuth/JWT.
• Integrating with consumers.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring access.
• Scaling for users.
• Troubleshooting tokens.

This protects resources.

19. Where are plugins configured?

Plugins are configured in:

• Admin API requests.
• Declarative YAML files.
• Git repositories.
• CI/CD scripts.
• Monitored dashboards.
• External tools.
• Database schemas.

This scopes features.

20. Who develops custom plugins?

Plugin developers create custom plugins. They:

• Write Lua handlers.
• Test in staging.
• Define schemas.
• Monitor performance.
• Version in Git.
• Handle dependencies.
• Optimize code.

This extends functionality.

21. Which plugin manages CORS?

CORS plugin manages cross-origin requests, offering:

• Header additions.
• Origin validation.
• Integration with services.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored requests.
• Scalable handling.
• Custom configs.

This enables web apps.

22. How do you disable a plugin?

Disable a plugin by:

• Using Admin API DELETE.
• Updating declarative configs.
• Testing in staging.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring deactivation.
• Handling dependencies.
• Integrating with CI/CD.

This removes features.

23. What are the steps to develop a custom plugin?

Developing a custom plugin involves writing Lua code, defining schemas, testing in staging, and integrating with CI/CD. Versioning in Git ensures traceability, while monitoring performance aligns with DevOps for scalable, secure API extensions.

Security and Auth

24. What is Kong's auth system?

Kong's auth system uses plugins for OAuth, JWT, basic. It includes:

• Token validation.
• External provider integration.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored access logs.
• Scalable token handling.
• Custom credential storage.
• Revocation mechanisms.

This secures APIs.

25. Why implement OAuth?

OAuth enables delegated access, supporting scopes and tokens. It integrates with providers, reduces credential exposure, and aligns with DevSecOps for compliant, scalable authentication in microservices.

26. When to use JWT auth?

Use JWT auth when:

• Needing stateless validation.
• Integrating with identity providers.
• Handling microservices.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring expiry.
• Scaling for users.
• Troubleshooting signatures.

This enables secure access.

27. Where are auth credentials stored?

Auth credentials are stored in:

• Kong database.
• External vaults.
• Git-versioned configs.
• Monitored secure stores.
• API endpoints.
• Consumer objects.
• Backup systems.

This ensures security.

28. Who configures auth plugins?

Security engineers configure auth. They:

• Enable OAuth/JWT.
• Test token flows.
• Integrate with providers.
• Monitor access.
• Version in Git.
• Handle revocation.
• Optimize performance.

This protects endpoints.

29. Which plugin enforces ACL?

ACL plugin enforces access, offering:

• Group permissions.
• Consumer integration.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored access.
• Scalable rules.
• Custom groups.
• Policy enforcement.

This controls access.

30. How do you revoke credentials?

Revoke credentials by:

• Admin API DELETE calls.
• Updating consumer data.
• Testing revocation.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring revocations.
• Handling propagation.
• Integrating with providers.

This secures systems.

31. What are the steps to configure OAuth?

Configuring OAuth secures APIs. Engineers enable plugins, set provider URLs, test token flows, and monitor access. Versioning in Git tracks changes, while integration with CI/CD automates updates. This ensures scalable, compliant authentication, aligning with DevSecOps for robust API protection.

32. Why do auth plugins fail?

Auth plugins fail due to invalid tokens or provider misconfigs. Expired credentials or scope errors cause issues. Engineers validate setups, monitor logs, and version fixes in Git. Integration with cloud tools restores functionality, ensuring reliable access control.

Rate Limiting and Traffic

33. What is rate limiting in Kong?

Rate limiting controls request rates. It uses:

• Token bucket algorithm.
• Consumer-specific limits.
• Plugin middleware execution.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored rate metrics.
• Scalable enforcement.
• Burst handling.

This prevents abuse.

34. Why use rate limiting?

Rate limiting protects APIs from overload, ensuring availability. It supports fair usage, integrates with auth, and reduces costs by 25%. Monitoring limits aligns with DevSecOps for secure, scalable traffic in microservices.

35. When to configure burst limits?

Configure burst limits when:

• Allowing short spikes.
• Balancing steady rates.
• Integrating with consumers.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring bursts.
• Scaling for traffic.
• Troubleshooting limits.

This accommodates peaks.

36. Where are rate limits defined?

Rate limits are defined in:

• Plugin configuration fields.
• Consumer attribute settings.
• Git-versioned YAML.
• CI/CD pipeline scripts.
• Monitored dashboards.
• API endpoints.
• External config tools.

This scopes enforcement.

37. Who sets rate limits?

API architects set rate limits. They:

• Define threshold values.
• Test in staging environments.
• Integrate with plugins.
• Monitor usage patterns.
• Version in Git.
• Adjust for applications.
• Handle violation responses.

This ensures fair usage.

38. Which algorithm does Kong use for limiting?

Token bucket algorithm is used, offering:

• Burst and refill support.
• Consumer integration.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored bucket levels.
• Scalable rate enforcement.
• Custom window configurations.
• Precise refill logic.

This balances traffic effectively.

39. How do you monitor rate limits?

Monitor rate limits by:

• Exporting Kong metrics.
• Integrating with Prometheus.
• Setting usage alerts.
• Testing in staging.
• Versioning in Git.
• Analyzing consumer data.
• Scaling monitoring.

This tracks compliance.

40. What are the steps to set up rate limiting?

Setting up rate limiting protects APIs from abuse. Architects enable plugins, define thresholds, test in staging, and monitor metrics. Versioning in Git ensures traceability, while integration with CI/CD automates updates. This process ensures fair usage, scalable traffic management, and alignment with DevSecOps for secure microservices.

41. Why do rate limits trigger 429 errors?

Rate limits trigger 429 errors when thresholds are exceeded. Misconfigured buckets or consumer mismatches cause responses. Engineers adjust limits, monitor usage, and version changes in Git. Integration with cloud platforms provides insights, ensuring fair usage and minimal disruptions.

Observability

42. What is Kong observability?

Kong observability tracks API metrics and logs. It includes:

• Request/response data.
• Plugin execution insights.
• Prometheus exporter.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored dashboards.
• Scalable data collection.
• Custom metric support.

Observability enables insights.

43. Why monitor Kong metrics?

Monitoring Kong metrics identifies bottlenecks, ensuring reliability. It tracks latency, errors, and throughput, reducing downtime by 25%. Grafana integration visualizes data, aligning with DevOps for proactive management in microservices.

44. When to use Prometheus with Kong?

Use Prometheus when:

• Collecting request metrics.
• Integrating with Grafana.
• Setting latency alerts.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring plugins.
• Scaling for traffic.
• Troubleshooting issues.

This provides observability.

45. Where are metrics exported?

Metrics are exported to:

• Prometheus endpoints.
• Grafana for visualization.
• Cloud monitoring tools.
• Git-versioned configs.
• Monitored dashboards.
• Log aggregation systems.
• External observability.

This facilitates analysis.

46. Who sets up monitoring?

Observability engineers set up monitoring. They:

• Configure Prometheus scrapes.
• Build Grafana dashboards.
• Test metric collection.
• Integrate with CI/CD.
• Version in Git.
• Monitor metrics.
• Handle alerts.

This ensures visibility.

47. Which metric measures latency?

request_latency measures latency, offering:

• Percentile calculations.
• Prometheus integration.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored thresholds.
• Scalable tracking.
• Alerting on spikes.
• Analysis tools.

This gauges performance.

48. How do you integrate with Grafana?

Integrate with Grafana by:

• Enabling Kong exporter.
• Adding data source.
• Querying metrics.
• Building dashboards.
• Versioning in Git.
• Setting alerts.
• Monitoring traffic.

This visualizes data.

49. What are the steps to configure logging?

Configuring logging ensures observability. Engineers enable plugins, set endpoints, test in staging, and monitor streams. Versioning in Git tracks changes, while integration with SIEM supports compliance. This provides detailed insights, aligning with DevOps for proactive issue resolution and performance tracking in API ecosystems.

50. Why do metrics stop collecting?

Metrics stop collecting due to exporter errors or config changes. Misconfigured endpoints cause issues. Engineers verify scrapes, monitor logs, and version fixes in Git. Integration with cloud tools restores observability, ensuring reliable monitoring.

Integration Scenarios

51. What is Kong's Kubernetes integration?

Kong's Kubernetes integration uses ingress controller. It includes:

• CRDs for services.
• Automatic route creation.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored deployments.
• Scalable pods.
• Plugin support.
• Health checks.

This centralizes API management.

52. Why use Kong Ingress Controller?

Kong Ingress Controller simplifies API exposure in Kubernetes. It supports dynamic routing, plugins, and scaling, reducing complexity by 40%. Integration with Helm and CI/CD ensures automated deployments for microservices.

53. When to deploy Kong in Kubernetes?

Deploy Kong in Kubernetes when:

• Exposing microservices.
• Managing ingress traffic.
• Integrating plugins.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring pods.
• Scaling deployments.
• Troubleshooting ingress.

This optimizes APIs.

54. Where are Kong configs in Kubernetes?

Kong configs in Kubernetes are in:

• ConfigMaps for VCL.
• Git repositories.
• Helm charts.
• Monitored deployments.
• Versioned manifests.
• API server storage.
• External databases.

This manages state.

55. Who deploys Kong in Kubernetes?

Platform engineers deploy Kong. They:

• Install via Helm.
• Configure ingress.
• Test in staging.
• Integrate with services.
• Version in Git.
• Monitor pods.
• Handle scaling.

This ensures gateway.

56. Which Helm chart installs Kong?

Kong Helm chart installs Kong, offering:

• Deployment templates.
• Plugin configurations.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored installs.
• Scalable resources.
• Custom values.
• K8s integration.

This simplifies setup.

57. How do you expose Kong services?

Expose Kong services by:

• Using Ingress resources.
• Configuring LoadBalancer.
• Testing in staging.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring exposure.
• Handling TLS.
• Scaling ingress.

This enables access.

58. What are the steps to integrate Kong with Kubernetes?

Integrating Kong with Kubernetes centralizes API management. Engineers install via Helm, configure ingress, test in staging, and monitor pods. Versioning in Git ensures traceability, while scaling deployments supports growth. This process aligns with cloud-native practices for scalable, secure API orchestration.

59. Why does Kong integration fail?

Kong integration fails due to misconfigured Helm values or database connectivity. Pod scheduling issues cause disruptions. Engineers verify configs, monitor logs, and version changes in Git. Integration with Kubernetes tools ensures successful deployment.

Real-World Scenarios

60. What do you do for high error rates?

For high error rates, isolate causes. Steps include:

• Analyze request_error metrics.
• Review plugin chains.
• Test in staging.
• Version fixes in Git.
• Monitor reductions.
• Optimize upstreams.
• Scale nodes.

This restores reliability.

61. Why does Kong return 502 errors?

502 errors indicate upstream failures. Plugin misconfigs or unhealthy backends cause them. Monitoring health checks and logs, integrated with observability, resolves issues.

62. When to use Kong for A/B testing?

Use Kong for A/B testing when:

• Routing based on headers.
• Integrating with plugins.
• Testing variants.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring conversions.
• Scaling for users.
• Handling rollouts.

This enables experimentation.

63. Where are A/B configs stored?

A/B configs are stored in:

• Plugin settings.
• Git repositories.
• CI/CD scripts.
• Monitored services.
• Versioned files.
• API endpoints.
• External databases.

This manages variants.

64. Who implements A/B testing?

API developers implement A/B testing. They:

• Configure routing plugins.
• Test variants in staging.
• Integrate with analytics.
• Monitor metrics.
• Version in Git.
• Handle traffic splits.
• Analyze results.

This drives optimization.

65. Which plugin supports A/B routing?

Request terminator plugin supports A/B routing, offering:

• Header-based splits.
• Integration with services.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored traffic.
• Scalable splits.
• Custom logic.
• Variant handling.

This enables testing.

66. How do you monitor A/B test performance?

Monitor A/B performance by:

• Using Kong metrics.
• Integrating with Grafana.
• Tracking conversion rates.
• Testing in staging.
• Versioning in Git.
• Analyzing traffic.
• Scaling monitoring.

This validates experiments.

67. What are the steps to set up A/B testing?

Setting up A/B testing involves defining splits, configuring plugins, and monitoring results. Developers use request terminator, test in staging, and analyze metrics. Versioning in Git ensures traceability, while integration with CI/CD automates updates. This process supports data-driven decisions, enhancing application optimization and user experience.

68. Why does A/B routing fail?

A/B routing fails due to plugin misconfigs or header mismatches. Incorrect splits cause uneven traffic. Engineers validate logic, monitor metrics, and version changes in Git. Integration with cloud tools provides insights, ensuring accurate testing and reliable performance.

Advanced Scenarios

69. What do you do for Kong plugin conflicts?

For plugin conflicts, prioritize order. Steps include:

• Review plugin chain.
• Test in staging.
• Adjust sequence.
• Version in Git.
• Monitor performance.
• Handle middleware.
• Resolve dependencies.

This ensures smooth execution.

70. Why does Kong scale horizontally?

Kong scales horizontally by adding nodes, sharing database state. It supports load balancing, integrates with Kubernetes, and reduces single-point failures. Monitoring node health ensures reliability in high-traffic scenarios.

71. When to use Kong for load balancing?

Use Kong for load balancing when:

• Distributing traffic.
• Integrating with upstreams.
• Testing health checks.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring balance.
• Scaling for traffic.
• Troubleshooting imbalances.

This ensures even distribution.

72. Where are upstream configs stored?

Upstream configs are stored in:

• Kong database.
• Git repositories.
• CI/CD scripts.
• Monitored services.
• Versioned files.
• API endpoints.
• External tools.

This manages targets.

73. Who configures upstreams?

API engineers configure upstreams. They:

• Define target servers.
• Test health checks.
• Integrate with routes.
• Monitor status.
• Version in Git.
• Handle scaling.
• Optimize weights.

This balances load.

74. Which upstream feature supports health checks?

Health checks support monitoring, offering:

• Passive/active probes.
• Integration with Kong.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored status.
• Scalable targets.
• Custom intervals.
• Failover logic.

This ensures availability.

75. How do you scale Kong for traffic?

Scale Kong by:

• Adding horizontal nodes.
• Using load balancers.
• Testing in staging.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring capacity.
• Handling database.
• Integrating with K8s.

This handles growth.

76. What are the steps to deploy Kong in Kubernetes?

Deploying Kong in Kubernetes centralizes API management. Engineers install via Helm, configure ingress, test in staging, and monitor pods. Versioning in Git ensures traceability, while scaling deployments supports growth. This process aligns with cloud-native practices for scalable, secure API orchestration.

77. Why does Kong scaling fail?

Kong scaling fails due to database bottlenecks or node misconfigs. Overloaded Postgres causes issues. Monitoring metrics and optimizing, versioned in cloud tools, resolves problems.

Troubleshooting

78. What do you do for Kong 502 errors?

For 502 errors, check upstreams. Steps include:

• Verify service health.
• Review logs.
• Test in staging.
• Version fixes in Git.
• Monitor resolutions.
• Adjust plugins.
• Scale backends.

This restores service.

79. Why does Kong return 401 errors?

401 errors indicate auth failures. Invalid tokens or plugin misconfigs cause them. Monitoring consumer logs and validating, integrated with observability, resolves issues.

80. When to troubleshoot Kong logs?

Troubleshoot logs when:

• Detecting error spikes.
• Integrating with ELK.
• Testing in staging.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring patterns.
• Scaling log volume.
• Handling filters.

This identifies problems.

81. Where are Kong logs stored?

Kong logs are stored in:

• Database tables.
• External logging systems.
• Git-versioned configs.
• Monitored dashboards.
• API endpoints.
• Plugin outputs.
• Backup repositories.

This enables analysis.

82. Who analyzes Kong logs?

Observability engineers analyze logs. They:

• Query error patterns.
• Integrate with tools.
• Test log flows.
• Version in Git.
• Monitor anomalies.
• Handle scaling.
• Document insights.

This drives improvements.

83. Which tool aggregates Kong logs?

ELK aggregates logs, offering:

• Search and analysis.
• Integration with Kong.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored dashboards.
• Scalable storage.
• Alerting features.
• Custom queries.

This centralizes observability.

84. How do you debug Kong plugin errors?

Debug plugin errors by:

• Enabling debug logging.
• Reviewing plugin code.
• Testing in staging.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring executions.
• Handling schemas.
• Integrating with tools.

This resolves issues.

85. What are the steps to troubleshoot a 404 error?

Troubleshooting 404 errors identifies missing routes. Engineers check route configs, verify services, test in staging, and monitor logs. Versioning in Git tracks changes, while integration with CI/CD automates validation. This process ensures accurate routing and minimal disruptions in production.

86. Why do Kong routes fail?

Kong routes fail due to misconfigured paths or service URLs. Overlapping routes cause conflicts. Engineers validate configs, monitor traffic, and version changes in Git. Integration with GitOps ensures consistency, preventing routing issues.

Advanced Integration

87. What is Kong's Kubernetes integration?

Kong's Kubernetes integration uses ingress controller. It includes:

• CRDs for services.
• Automatic route creation.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored deployments.
• Scalable pods.
• Plugin support.
• Health checks.

This centralizes API management.

88. Why use Kong Ingress Controller?

Kong Ingress Controller simplifies API exposure in Kubernetes. It supports dynamic routing, plugins, and scaling, reducing complexity by 40%. Integration with Helm and CI/CD ensures automated deployments for microservices.

89. When to deploy Kong in Kubernetes?

Deploy Kong in Kubernetes when:

• Exposing microservices.
• Managing ingress traffic.
• Integrating plugins.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring pods.
• Scaling deployments.
• Troubleshooting ingress.

This optimizes APIs.

90. Where are Kong configs in Kubernetes?

Kong configs in Kubernetes are in:

• ConfigMaps for VCL.
• Git repositories.
• Helm charts.
• Monitored deployments.
• Versioned manifests.
• API server storage.
• External databases.

This manages state.

91. Who deploys Kong in Kubernetes?

Platform engineers deploy Kong. They:

• Install via Helm.
• Configure ingress.
• Test in staging.
• Integrate with services.
• Version in Git.
• Monitor pods.
• Handle scaling.

This ensures gateway.

92. Which Helm chart installs Kong?

Kong Helm chart installs Kong, offering:

• Deployment templates.
• Plugin configurations.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored installs.
• Scalable resources.
• Custom values.
• K8s integration.

This simplifies setup.

93. How do you expose Kong services?

Expose Kong services by:

• Using Ingress resources.
• Configuring LoadBalancer.
• Testing in staging.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring exposure.
• Handling TLS.
• Scaling ingress.

This enables access.

94. What are the steps to integrate Kong with Kubernetes?

Integrating Kong with Kubernetes centralizes API management. Engineers install via Helm, configure ingress, test in staging, and monitor pods. Versioning in Git ensures traceability, while scaling deployments supports growth. This process aligns with cloud-native practices for scalable, secure API orchestration.

95. Why does Kong integration fail?

Kong integration fails due to misconfigured Helm values or database connectivity. Pod scheduling issues cause disruptions. Engineers verify configs, monitor logs, and version changes in Git. Integration with Kubernetes tools ensures successful deployment.

Troubleshooting Scenarios

96. What do you do for Kong 502 errors?

For 502 errors, check upstreams. Steps include:

• Verify service health.
• Review logs.
• Test in staging.
• Version fixes in Git.
• Monitor resolutions.
• Adjust plugins.
• Scale backends.

This restores service.

97. Why does Kong return 401 errors?

401 errors indicate auth failures. Invalid tokens or plugin misconfigs cause them. Monitoring consumer logs and validating, integrated with observability, resolves issues.

98. When to troubleshoot Kong logs?

Troubleshoot logs when:

• Detecting error spikes.
• Integrating with ELK.
• Testing in staging.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring patterns.
• Scaling log volume.
• Handling filters.

This identifies problems.

99. Where are Kong logs stored?

Kong logs are stored in:

• Database tables.
• External logging systems.
• Git-versioned configs.
• Monitored dashboards.
• API endpoints.
• Plugin outputs.
• Backup repositories.

This enables analysis.

100. Who analyzes Kong logs?

Observability engineers analyze logs. They:

• Query error patterns.
• Integrate with tools.
• Test log flows.
• Version in Git.
• Monitor anomalies.
• Handle scaling.
• Document insights.

This drives improvements.

101. Which tool aggregates Kong logs?

ELK aggregates logs, offering:

• Search and analysis.
• Integration with Kong.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitored dashboards.
• Scalable storage.
• Alerting features.
• Custom queries.

This centralizes observability.

102. How do you debug Kong plugin errors?

Debug plugin errors by:

• Enabling debug logging.
• Reviewing plugin code.
• Testing in staging.
• Versioning in Git.
• Monitoring executions.
• Handling schemas.
• Integrating with tools.

This resolves issues.

103. What are the steps to troubleshoot a 404 error?

Troubleshooting 404 errors identifies missing routes. Engineers check route configs, verify services, test in staging, and monitor logs. Versioning in Git tracks changes, while integration with CI/CD automates validation. This process ensures accurate routing and minimal disruptions in production.