Kestrel is a robust, cross-platform web server designed specifically for ASP.NET Core applications. It is included by default in ASP.NET Core project templates, providing essential features such as HTTPS support, HTTP/2 compatibility (with some limitations on macOS), and capabilities for WebSockets. Kestrel is tailored for high performance, especially when used behind Nginx, and is compatible with all platforms that .NET Core supports. The server is optimized for secure internet-facing deployments, offering configuration options to manage connection limits and request body sizes effectively.

In addition to its core functionalities, Kestrel supports integration with popular tools such as Docker and NGINX, enhancing its utility for developers and organizations. It is suitable for a wide range of users, including small businesses, enterprises, and nonprofit organizations. Kestrel provides comprehensive documentation as its primary training resource, ensuring users can navigate its features and configurations efficiently.