What is the optional feature in Azure Kubernetes that automatically provisions an ingress controller and publicly accessible DNS names for application endpoints?

Application routing in Azure Kubernetes is an optional feature that simplifies the process of managing ingress resources by automatically creating an ingress controller. This feature not only provisions the controller but also manages publicly accessible DNS names for application endpoints, making it easier for developers to expose their applications without needing to manually configure these components.

When application routing is enabled, it streamlines the deployment process, allowing services to be accessed via user-friendly domain names instead of complex IP addresses. This is particularly beneficial for applications with multiple services that need to be accessed by users over the Internet.

The provision of DNS names helps in seamlessly routing external traffic to the appropriate services within the Kubernetes cluster, enhancing both usability and accessibility of the applications deployed in the environment. This feature is particularly useful for development and testing scenarios where quick iteration and exposure are required.

In contrast, load balancing refers to distributing incoming network traffic across multiple servers, but it does not inherently manage ingress or DNS provisioning. Service management typically pertains to monitoring and maintaining the health and performance of services rather than managing ingress or DNS configurations. An API gateway is a component that facilitates the management of APIs, often providing features like authentication and rate limiting, but it does not automatically provision ingress controllers or DNS names specific to application routing.