Kubernetes (k8s) is an open-source platform that automates container operations, enabling developers to deploy, scale, and manage containerized applications easily. Think of it as a conductor for your containers, orchestrating how they run, scale, and communicate with each other.
For example, if you have a web application that consists of multiple microservices running in containers, Kubernetes can make sure that each microservice is running, healthy, and able to communicate with other services. It can also automatically scale your application based on traffic, ensuring that your users always have a smooth experience.