# Cluster

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A cluster is a group of computers or applications called [nodes](https://glossary.cncf.io/nodes/) that work together towards a common goal.
In cloud native computing, the term is often applied when talking about a [Kubernetes](https://glossary.cncf.io/kubernetes/) cluster.
It can be seen as a specific kind of [distributed system](https://glossary.cncf.io/distributed-systems/) where the nodes are a bit more tightly coupled.

## Problem it addresses 

Software that runs on a single computer presents a single point of failure — 
if that computer crashes, or someone accidentally unplugs the power cable, 
then some business-critical system may be taken offline. 
That's why modern software is generally built as [distributed applications](https://glossary.cncf.io/distributed-apps/), grouped together as clusters. 

## How it helps

Clustered, distributed applications run across multiple machines, eliminating a single point of failure. 
But building distributed systems is really hard. 
In fact, it's a computer science discipline in its own right. 
The need for global systems and years of trial and error led to the development of a new kind of tech stack: 
[cloud native technologies](https://glossary.cncf.io/cloud-native-tech/). 
These new technologies are the building blocks that make the operation and creation of distributed systems easier.

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- Canonical URL: https://glossary.cncf.io/cluster/
- Status: Completed
- Last modified May 16, 2025: ` [EN] update Cluster (#3492) ` ([634910b](https://github.com/cncf/glossary/commit/634910b469d7d5f9199089279e173c667125988a))
- Source: https://github.com/cncf/glossary/blob/main/content/en/cluster.md
- License: [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)