What is an Endpoint object in Kubernetes?

The Endpoint object in Kubernetes is designed to represent the network addresses of Pods within a Service. When a Service is created, it creates a virtual IP (ClusterIP) that can be accessed by other resources. The Endpoint object serves as a map between this virtual IP and the actual Pods that provide the service, ensuring that network requests are routed correctly. Each Endpoint contains information about the IP addresses and ports of the Pods that are part of the service, allowing seamless communication within the cluster.

The other options focus on different functionalities that pertain to Kubernetes but do not accurately describe the purpose of an Endpoint object. Resource limits for Pods are defined by ResourceQuota and LimitRange objects, security policies are managed by NetworkPolicies and PodSecurityPolicies, and a UI for managing services is typically associated with tools like the Kubernetes Dashboard or other third-party management interfaces, rather than being a specific object type in the Kubernetes architecture. This distinction highlights the unique role that Endpoint objects play in the networking layer of Kubernetes.