k6 is an open-source load testing tool designed for engineering teams to test the performance, reliability, and scalability of their systems. It is developed to create and run performance tests using a JavaScript-based scripting environment, making it accessible for developers familiar with JavaScript. k6 is particularly suited for testing APIs, microservices, and websites, offering features such as high-level performance insights, automated performance tests, and integration with CI/CD pipelines. The tool can simulate a large number of virtual users to replicate real-world traffic scenarios, helping teams identify performance bottlenecks and improve their application's robustness.