> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.platform9.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.platform9.com/managed-kubernetes/5.10/etcd.md). # Etcd etcd is a dependable, fault-tolerant, and highly available key value store, used to coordinate and back up all the Kubernetes cluster data. It specifically manages data for configurations, the state of the cluster, as well as metadata related to the cluster. etcd provides a single, consistent source of truth regarding the status of the system, its clusters, pods, and the application instances inside them at any given time. In essence, etcd is the data store used to create and maintain this version of the truth. In this section, we demonstrate how to [configure etcd backups](https://github.com/platform9/pcd-docs-gitbook/blob/main/kubernetes/etcd-configure-backup/README.md#configure-etcd-backup-during-cluster-creation), and review [auto$](https://github.com/platform9/pcd-docs-gitbook/blob/main/kubernetes/etcd-secrets-encryption/README.md). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.platform9.com/managed-kubernetes/5.10/etcd.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.