Kubernetes is an open source system for managing [containerized applications](http://kubernetes.io/docs/whatisk8s/) across multiple hosts,
providing basic mechanisms for deployment, maintenance, and scaling of applications. Kubernetes is hosted by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation ([CNCF](https://www.cncf.io))
Kubernetes builds upon a decade and a half of experience at Google running production workloads at scale using a system called [Borg](https://research.google.com/pubs/pub43438.html), combined with best-of-breed ideas and practices from the community.
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### Kubernetes is ready for Production !
Since the Kubernetes 1.0 release in July 2015 Kubernetes is ready for your production workloads. Check the [case studies](http://kubernetes.io/case-studies/).
### Kubernetes can run anywhere !
You can run Kubernetes on your local workstation, cloud providers (e.g. GCE, AWS, Azure), on-premises virtual machines and physical hardware. Essentially, anywhere Linux runs you can run Kubernetes. Checkout the [deployment solutions](http://kubernetes.io/docs/getting-started-guides/) for details.
* Interested in learning more about using Kubernetes? Please see our user-facing documentation on [kubernetes.io](http://kubernetes.io). Try our [interactive tutorial](http://kubernetes.io/docs/tutorials/kubernetes-basics/) or take a free course on [Scalable Microservices with Kubernetes](https://www.udacity.com/course/scalable-microservices-with-kubernetes--ud615).
* Interested in hacking on the core Kubernetes code base, developing tools using the Kubernetes API or helping in anyway possible ? Keep reading!
_As contributors and maintainers of this project, and in the interest of fostering an open and welcoming community, we pledge to respect all people who contribute through reporting issues, posting feature requests, updating documentation, submitting pull requests or patches, and other activities._
: 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.
Do you want to help " shape the evolution of technologies that are container packaged, dynamically scheduled and microservices oriented? ". If you are a company, you should consider joining the [CNCF](https://cncf.io/about). For details about who's involved and how Kubernetes plays a role, read [the announcement](https://cncf.io/news/announcement/2015/07/new-cloud-native-computing-foundation-drive-alignment-among-container).
You will then most certainly gain a lot from joining a [SIG](https://github.com/kubernetes/community), attending the regular hangouts as well as the community [meeting](https://github.com/kubernetes/community/blob/master/community/README.md).
If you have an idea for a new feature, see the [Kubernetes Features](https://github.com/kubernetes/features) repository for a list of features that are coming in new releases as well as details on how to propose one.
While there are many different channels that you can use to get hold of us ([Slack](http://slack.k8s.io/), [Stack Overflow](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/kubernetes), [Issues](https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes/issues/new), [Forums/Mailing lists](https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/kubernetes-users)), 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](http://kubernetes.io/docs/troubleshooting/) and work your way through the process that we've outlined.
