Kestra is a declarative workflow orchestrator designed to manage complex task dependencies and automated processes through versioned configuration files. It functions as a distributed platform that decouples task scheduling from execution by offloading computational workloads to a fleet of worker nodes. The system uses a reactive, event-driven engine to initiate workflows automatically in response to external signals, webhooks, schedules, or file system changes.
The platform distinguishes itself through a modular plugin architecture that allows for the integration of custom tasks and external services. It provides an AI-native development environment that incorporates language models to generate, refine, and execute automation logic using natural language prompts. To support diverse operational needs, Kestra implements a multi-tenant execution model that isolates resources, data, and access controls for different teams within a single shared instance.
The system covers a broad range of operational capabilities, including robust state management, granular role-based access control, and comprehensive system auditing. It offers extensive tools for workflow logic, such as conditional branching, parallel task execution, and iterative processing, alongside built-in resilience features like automated retries and failure policies. Users can manage these configurations through a centralized interface that supports visual editing and real-time monitoring of execution status.
