Kubernetes operators are a way to manage applications or other resources in Kubernetes using custom resource definitions and the Kubernetes API. They are unique from other Kubernetes controllers because they focus on custom resources, rather than built-in default objects. Operators can be used for complex application deployments that would be challenging to deploy using other methods such as Helm charts. The key benefits of operators include automation, flexibility, and shareability and reusability. To create an operator, one needs to define custom resources and write code that tells the operator how to make requests to the Kubernetes API. Most people don't develop operators from scratch but instead rely on toolkits or SDKs like the Operator Framework that help automate the process. Best practices for writing operators include ensuring you really need an operator, creating one operator per requirement, keeping custom resource definitions simple, testing operators carefully, validating the origins of third-party operators, and considering an operator SDK. Once installed, operators can be managed with tools like Operator Lifecycle Manager, and troubleshooting issues involves checking status, logs, and observability platforms for insights. Operators are not always the best way to manage resources in Kubernetes but provide unparalleled levels of control when used for complex applications or use cases.