The CockroachDB Operator, introduced into Public Preview in August 2025, is a Kubernetes-native tool designed to enhance the deployment, scaling, and management of CockroachDB clusters by utilizing automation and operational best practices developed through extensive use in CockroachDB Cloud. It simplifies running CockroachDB on Kubernetes by replacing the complexities and manual configurations associated with StatefulSets with custom resources that eliminate pod ordering constraints, facilitate multi-region deployments, and allow advanced customizations without the need for forking manifests. The Operator also supports integration with Helm for familiar workflows, and provides hands-off, zero-downtime upgrades and scaling, thereby reducing operational overhead and allowing teams to focus on delivering business value. The introduction of the new Operator represents CockroachDB’s commitment to Kubernetes and is informed by the lessons learned from years of production use and partner feedback, with a seamless migration tool available for users of the older operator or Helm charts.