What defines a 'cloud-native application'?

A cloud-native application is specifically designed and built to operate effectively in cloud environments. This design approach leverages cloud computing's flexibility, scalability, and resilience, allowing applications to take full advantage of the cloud's capabilities. By utilizing microservices architecture, containerization, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices, cloud-native applications can be easily deployed, monitored, and updated.

Creating applications that are cloud-native ensures they are resilient, can handle dynamic scaling, and can take advantage of cloud services such as storage, databases, and messaging systems. This makes them well-suited for modern development practices and operational strategies, ultimately leading to better performance, agility, and resource optimizations compared to traditional on-premises applications.

Understanding the distinction between cloud-native applications and other types of applications highlights the significant benefits and efficiencies brought about by modern cloud computing platforms.