Introduction to the video's purpose and approach to recommending tools for 2024.

• The speaker clarifies that the video will not list the best tools in general, but will focus on new tools and those they plan to start using regularly in 2024.
• The video will cover specific areas of interest rather than all possible development tools, focusing on those that proved themselves in 2023.

Service catalogs are the first category discussed, focusing on Backstage and Port.

• Backstage is recognized as a popular CNCF project but is deemed better suited as a base for vendors rather than for direct end-user use due to its complexity.
• Port is chosen as the recommended tool for 2024, despite its issues, for its ease of use and potential.

Application management tools for managing Kubernetes manifests are explored.

• Different tools like Helm, Kustomize, and others are discussed for managing Kubernetes resources.
• The speaker settles on Tonomi and Q for their powerful templating and data structure management capabilities.

CI/CD pipeline tools are reviewed, with Dugger being the recommended choice.

• CI/CD pipelines have not changed significantly, and there are many similar tools available.
• Dugger is chosen for its container leverage and language flexibility, though it requires running in other pipelines.

Observability tools for logs, metrics, and tracing are discussed, with Groundcover as the top recommendation.

• The speaker discusses various tools for managing logs, metrics, and tracing, and the need for dashboards and alerting.
• Groundcover is chosen for its combination of best-of-breed tools and unique features.

Database management solutions are considered, with CMPG and Atlas Operator as the top choices.

• Managed services are recommended for database management, with alternatives like Ivan and Cube Blocks mentioned.
• For PostgreSQL specifically, Cloud Native PG (CMPG) is recommended, along with the Atlas Operator for schema management.

Infrastructure and service management tools are discussed, with Kubernetes itself as the recommended choice.

• Kubernetes is hailed as an extensive API and control plane capable of managing a wide range of resources.
• Embracing Kubernetes as a control plane is suggested, regardless of the specific tools used to extend it.

Security tools are evaluated, with Cube Escape and Teller as the top picks.

• Falcon for threat detection, KubeArmor for threat prevention, and Kyverno for policies are discussed.
• External Secrets Operator and Teller for secrets management and Cube Escape for security scanning are highlighted.

Networking tools are reviewed, with Cilium and Gateway API as the recommended choices.

• Service meshes are mentioned, but Cilium is chosen for its foundational networking role and its embrace of eBPF.
• Gateway API is anticipated to become the standard for Ingress traffic in 2024.

Charm is highlighted as a set of terminal tools and libraries for improved terminal experience.

• Charm includes various CLI tools and libraries that enhance terminal use.
• The speaker endorses Charm for anyone who frequently uses terminals.

eBPF is recognized as a foundational technology for various tools and services in 2024.

• eBPF is acknowledged for its significant impact on observability, networking, security, and more.
• While not directly used by most developers, many tools and services are based on eBPF.