Your Step-by-Step Guide to GCP’s Web Console and Cloud Shell

Whether you're just stepping into the world of cloud computing or expanding beyond AWS and Azure, learning Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a power move. Two of the first tools you'll interact with are the GCP Console and Cloud Shell—your browser-based gateways to managing and automating cloud resources.

If you're exploring Google Cloud training in Bangalore, understanding these tools is essential for real-world cloud operations. This guide will walk you through:

  • What the GCP Console and Cloud Shell are
  • How they work
  • When to use each effectively
  • Let’s dive into the core of GCP management.

🧭 What is Google Cloud Console?
The Google Cloud Console is a web-based GUI that lets you manage your cloud infrastructure with a few clicks. You can:

  • View and configure resources
  • Monitor costs and usage
  • Set permissions and manage IAM
  • Deploy VMs, containers, databases, and more

✅ Key Features:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Clean dashboard for managing services
  • Integrated Billing: Track spending and set budgets
  • Real-Time Monitoring: View logs and metrics from one screen
  • Quick Navigation: Easily switch between projects and services
  • Use Case: A DevOps engineer launching a Kubernetes cluster can use the Console to deploy and monitor workloads without writing a single line of code.

🖥️ What is Google Cloud Shell?
While the Console offers a visual experience, Cloud Shell gives you command-line access to your GCP environment—right in the browser.

Cloud Shell is preconfigured with:

  • gcloud CLI
  • Python, Node.js, Java SDKs
  • Terraform, Docker, kubectl
  • 5 GB of persistent storage

💡 Perfect for developers and engineers who prefer terminal-based automation and scripting.

🛠️ When Should You Use Cloud Shell?

  • Automating infrastructure setup using scripts
  • Running deployment pipelines
  • Managing Kubernetes clusters via kubectl
  • Using Terraform to define infrastructure as code

🔄 Console vs. Cloud Shell: When to Use What?

Task | Use Console | Use Cloud Shell
Launching a VM | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes
Scripting with gcloud CLI | ❌ No | ✅ Yes
Checking logs and monitoring | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (via CLI)
Configuring IAM roles | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (with commands)
Automating repetitive tasks | ❌ No | ✅ Yes

👉 AWS Certified Solutions Architect—Associate Exam: Preparation Guide
A must-read if you're comparing GCP and AWS or planning to become a multi-cloud expert!

💼 Real-Life Use Case
One of our learners at Eduleem used the GCP Console to deploy a serverless web app using Cloud Run, while managing the backend using Cloud Shell for IAM permissions and script automation. Within days, they were managing deployments like a pro and even landed a freelancing gig setting up GCP environments for a startup!

🔍 Pro Tips for GCP Beginners

  • Bookmark the Console Homepage for quick access
  • Use Cloud Shell Editor (built-in VS Code) for editing code right in the browser
  • Store reusable shell scripts in your Cloud Shell’s persistent disk
  • Learn key gcloud commands—it’ll make automation effortless

🎓 Why Learn GCP at Eduleem?
At Eduleem—AWS, DevOps, Azure, GCP, and AI Training in Bangalore, we provide practical, hands-on GCP training that prepares you for industry-level roles.

Our GCP training in Bangalore includes:

  • Real-world projects using GCP services
  • Labs on IAM, Compute Engine, Cloud Functions, and Kubernetes
  • Mentorship from certified professionals
  • Guidance on GCP Associate and Professional Certifications
  • Flexible batches for students and working professionals

If you're aiming for the best Google Cloud training in Bangalore, Eduleem is your proven pathway.

🏁 Conclusion
Understanding how to use the Google Cloud Console and Cloud Shell is foundational for any cloud professional. Together, they provide both ease of access and powerful automation tools to manage your cloud environment.

Whether you're deploying your first project or scaling enterprise apps, GCP’s tools simplify and empower your workflow.

💬 What's your favorite feature in GCP: Cloud Console or Cloud Shell?
Let us know in the comments—let’s discuss how you manage cloud infrastructure!

🚀 Ready to Kickstart Your GCP Career?
🔗 Join Eduleem School of Cloud and AI and become the cloud expert companies are searching for.
👉 Hands-on learning, real projects, and career guidance—all in one place.