Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. Developed by Google and now maintained by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), Kubernetes has become the industry standard for managing containers in production environments. It provides a framework for running distributed systems resiliently, allowing applications to be scaled up or down based on demand and ensuring that containers are automatically restarted or replaced in case of failure. Kubernetes abstracts the underlying infrastructure, making it easier for developers to deploy and manage applications across different environments, including on-premises, public clouds, and hybrid clouds.

One of Kubernetes' key features is its ability to manage complex, multi-container applications across clusters of machines. It groups containers into logical units called "pods," which can be scaled and managed collectively. Kubernetes also handles networking, storage, and load balancing, enabling seamless communication between containers and ensuring that resources are efficiently utilized. Its declarative configuration model allows users to define the desired state of the system, and Kubernetes continuously works to maintain that state, automatically handling tasks like load distribution, self-healing, and rolling updates. Kubernetes has a vibrant ecosystem of tools and integrations, making it a cornerstone of modern cloud-native application development.