Netlify is a cloud-based platform that provides developers with tools to build, deploy, and manage modern web applications with a focus on serverless architecture. Its primary features include continuous deployment from Git, a global content delivery network (CDN), serverless functions, form handling, and automated preview deployments. Netlify supports static site generators and frameworks such as React, Vue.js, and Gatsby, enabling seamless integration for developers looking to create fast, scalable websites. Through its user-friendly interface, developers can manage their sites, optimize performance, and configure settings without deep DevOps knowledge.

Netlify's architecture allows for instant deployment of changes, with a single command pushing code from repositories to the live site. It offers features such as branch previews where developers can share work-in-progress updates via unique URLs, facilitating collaboration and feedback throughout the development process.

Moreover, Netlify provides various plugins and extensibility through its APIs, enabling users to enhance functionality with minimal effort. The built-in analytics tools offer insights into site performance and visitor statistics, helping developers make informed decisions to improve user experience. Overall, Netlify is designed to simplify the development workflow, promote efficiency, and optimize web application performance without the hassle of managing servers.