Helm
The package manager for Kubernetes.
Overview
Helm is a package manager for Kubernetes that helps you define, install, and upgrade even the most complex Kubernetes applications. Helm uses a packaging format called charts. A chart is a collection of files that describe a related set of Kubernetes resources. Argo CD has native support for deploying applications packaged as Helm charts, making it a core tool in the ecosystem.
✨ Key Features
- Package Kubernetes applications as 'Charts'
- Manage application releases (install, upgrade, rollback)
- Share and find community charts in public repositories
- Template engine for customizing manifests
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Rich templating capabilities
- Vast ecosystem of public, reusable charts
- Release management features (install, upgrade, rollback)
Unique Value: Simplifies the management of Kubernetes applications by packaging them into reusable, shareable, and configurable units called charts.
🎯 Use Cases (3)
✅ Best For
- Deploying third-party applications (e.g., databases, monitoring tools) from public chart repositories
- Managing complex, multi-service applications with a single package
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Managing non-Kubernetes resources
- Simple, single-manifest deployments where templating is not needed
🏆 Alternatives
Compared to Kustomize, Helm provides a more powerful templating engine and a concept of 'releases', which is better for managing complex, stateful applications. However, Kustomize offers a simpler, template-free approach.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🔌 Integrations
🔒 Compliance & Security
💰 Pricing
Free tier: Fully-featured, open-source software.
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