Get started with Knative

Knative extends Kubernetes for HTTP services and event-driven applications. Serving runs and scales HTTP containers; Eventing routes CloudEvents. Functions helps you write and test code locally before choosing deployment.

Start here

• Try Knative on a local cluster: follow Quickstart. Start with its prerequisites, then deploy a Service, observe autoscaling, and route an event. Follow the lessons in order; they share an environment.
• Write your first function without Kubernetes: create, edit, and run a Go HTTP function locally. The selected route uses a Docker-compatible daemon and dependency downloads, but needs no registry account or running image registry. Publishing and cluster deployment are optional later steps.

After the basics, build the event-driven Bookstore. It adds application setup and dependencies; read its educational scope before starting. The core tutorial and optional integration recipes are distinct.

Understand the platform

Read the Knative Technical Overview for the problems Knative addresses and how its components fit together. This is optional background, not a prerequisite for trying the tutorials.

Component background: Serving, requests, and inference · Eventing and event flow · Functions and their lifecycle.

For evaluation, see component integration and trade-offs.

Already using Knative?

• Deploy an HTTP container, or browse the Serving guide.
• Route matching events, or browse the Eventing guide.
• Use the Functions guide for your own project.
• Install and Manage: choose an installation route, then use the cluster task shortcuts.

Find more task guides, reference details, explanatory guides, or code samples when you need them.