Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform initially developed by Google and now maintained by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF). It automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications, making it an essential tool in modern DevOps and cloud-native development environments. Containers, which package an application and its dependencies into a single executable unit, have become popular for their portability, efficiency, and ease of scaling. Kubernetes builds on this by providing a framework to run containers reliably at scale across clusters of machines.

Kubernetes supports hybrid and multi-cloud deployments, making it possible to run workloads across multiple environments, including public clouds, on-premises data centers, or edge locations. This flexibility enables organizations to avoid vendor lock-in and optimize costs by leveraging different environments.

Kubernetes is a powerful platform for orchestrating containerized applications, enabling businesses to deploy, manage, and scale applications seamlessly. By abstracting infrastructure complexity, Kubernetes provides developers and operators with a highly resilient, scalable, and flexible environment, supporting a wide range of application requirements and promoting operational efficiency. Its robust feature set has made it a cornerstone of cloud-native architectures, transforming how applications are developed and managed in modern environments.