The gcloud compute ssh command is a wrapper around the standard ssh command that automates the entire connection process. When executed, it checks for the existence of SSH keys. If no keys are found, it automatically generates a new key pair (~/.ssh/googlecomputeengine), adds the public key to the project or instance metadata, and then initiates the SSH connection to the specified instance. This single command handles authentication, key generation, key distribution, and connection, making it the most efficient method with the fewest steps, as required by the question.

A. This method will fail. The standard ssh command requires a pre-existing private key on the local machine and a corresponding public key on the target instance, which the scenario states is not deployed.

C. This is an unnecessary step. While it would work, the gcloud compute ssh command will automatically generate the key pair for you if one doesn't exist, making the manual ssh-keygen step redundant.

D. This is the most complex and manual process. It involves multiple commands and manual key management, which is the exact opposite of the "easiest way" and "fewest steps" requirement.

1. Google Cloud Documentation

gcloud compute ssh: "If you do not have a public SSH key

gcloud compute ssh generates one for you. When you generate a new key

gcloud compute ssh adds the key to your project or instance metadata and connects you to the VM." This confirms that the command handles key generation automatically.

Source: Google Cloud SDK Documentation

gcloud compute ssh

Command Description section.

2. Google Cloud Documentation

Connect to Linux VMs: "The gcloud command-line tool provides the simplest way to connect to your instances... When you connect to a Linux instance by using the gcloud command-line tool

Compute Engine creates an ephemeral SSH key for you and sets a username."

Source: Google Cloud Documentation > Compute Engine > User guides > Connect to Linux VMs > Connect using Google Cloud tools.

3. Google Cloud Documentation

Managing SSH keys in metadata: "When you use gcloud compute ssh to connect to an instance

gcloud can automatically create and add an SSH key to the project for you."

Source: Google Cloud Documentation > Compute Engine > User guides > Access control > Managing SSH keys in metadata > How SSH keys work on Compute Engine instances.