* Interested in learning more about using Kubernetes? Please see our user-facing documentation on [kubernetes.io](http://kubernetes.io) or try the [Scalable Microservices with Kubernetes](https://www.udacity.com/course/scalable-microservices-with-kubernetes--ud615) course
Kubernetes is an open source system for managing [containerized applications](https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes/wiki/Why-Kubernetes%3F#why-containers) across multiple hosts,
Kubernetes builds upon a [decade and a half of experience at Google running production workloads at scale](https://research.google.com/pubs/pub43438.html), combined with best-of-breed ideas and practices from the community.
You can run Kubernetes on your local workstation under Vagrant, cloud providers (e.g. GCE, AWS, Azure), and physical hardware. Essentially, anywhere Linux runs you can run Kubernetes. Checkout the [Getting Started Guides](http://kubernetes.io/docs/getting-started-guides/) for details.
: A cluster is a set of physical or virtual machines and other infrastructure resources used by Kubernetes to run your applications. Kubernetes can run anywhere! See the [Getting Started Guides](docs/getting-started-guides/) for instructions for a variety of services.
: Pods are a colocated group of application containers with shared volumes. They're the smallest deployable units that can be created, scheduled, and managed with Kubernetes. Pods can be created individually, but it's recommended that you use a replication controller even if creating a single pod.
You should consider joining the [Cloud Native Computing Foundation](https://cncf.io/about). For details about who's involved and how Kubernetes plays a role, read [their announcement](https://cncf.io/news/announcement/2015/07/new-cloud-native-computing-foundation-drive-alignment-among-container).
If you're interested in being a contributor and want to get involved in developing Kubernetes, start in the [Kubernetes Developer Guide](docs/devel/README.md) and also review the [contributor guidelines](CONTRIBUTING.md).
Or, if you just have an idea for a new feature, see the [Kubernetes Features](https://github.com/kubernetes/features) repository for details on how to propose it.
While there are many different channels that you can use to get ahold of us, you can help make sure that we are efficient in getting you the help that you need.
If you need support, start with the [troubleshooting guide](docs/troubleshooting.md#getting-help) and work your way through the process that we've outlined.
That said, if you have questions, reach out to us one way or another. We don't bite!
You can find more projects, tools and articles related to Kubernetes on the [awesome-kubernetes](https://github.com/ramitsurana/awesome-kubernetes) list. Add your project there and help us make it better.