What is the application of `kubectl cp`?

The command kubectl cp is specifically designed to facilitate the copying of files between a container within a Kubernetes pod and the local filesystem of the machine from which the command is executed. This functionality is essential for operations such as backing up logs or configuration files from a running container to the local environment for analysis or modification.

This command behaves similarly to the standard cp command used in Unix/Linux systems, allowing users to specify source and destination paths. Its primary utility is evident when developers or system administrators want to retrieve information from a container or send files into a container, making it a very practical tool for managing resources in a Kubernetes context.

The other choices provided do not accurately reflect the purpose of kubectl cp. For instance, cloning Pods or uploading images is outside its functionality, as ‘kubectl cp’ does not manage pod lifecycle actions or handle image storage directly. Additionally, it does not inherently improve file transfer speeds within the cluster; its focus is primarily on transferring files to and from containers.