Glossary
Kubernetes operator
Also called Operator.
Definition
A Kubernetes operator is software that runs in a cluster and automates running one application, such as a database, by encoding tasks like deployment, backup, failover and upgrades.
Why it matters when you’re buying
Operators make it practical to run stateful software on Kubernetes, but their quality varies a great deal. Ask who maintains an operator, which tasks it really automates and how it behaves during upgrades and failures.
How it relates to other terms
Operators extend Kubernetes with application knowledge, and they pair well with GitOps, where the desired state they act on lives in a repository.
Where to go next
- Containers & Kubernetes: news, companies and community questions
- How to evaluate Containers & Kubernetes vendors: criteria, questions to ask and red flags
- Kubernetes: the latest stories and threads on this topic
Written by Techarda editors · Updated . Think a definition is wrong or missing something? Email engage@techarda.com. All terms.