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.
However, initial development was done on GCE and so our instructions and scripts are built around that. If you make it work on other infrastructure please let us know and contribute instructions/code.
: 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).
#### Want to do more than just 'discuss' Kubernetes?
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).
#### Support
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!