Helm Chart Workflow

What are Helm Charts?

A Helm Chart packages all Kubernetes manifests and configurations into a reusable, shareable blueprint. Think of it as a recipe for deploying apps. 🍴

A simple workflow to visualize how Helm Charts function in managing Kubernetes applications.

Step 1: Package the Application

• Create a Helm Chart directory structure (Chart.yaml, values.yaml, templates/).
• Write the Kubernetes manifests with placeholders in the templates/ folder.
• Package it using helm package.

📌 Visual: A folder structure showing Chart.yaml, values.yaml, and templates/.

Step 2: Deploy the Application

• Use the helm install command to deploy the application to the Kubernetes cluster.
• Helm processes the chart, substitutes placeholders with values, and applies the manifests to the cluster.

📌 Visual: A flow diagram showing helm install → Chart rendered → App deployed.

Step 3: Manage the Application

• Upgrade: Use helm upgrade to modify or scale your application.
• Rollback: Use helm rollback to return to a previous version in case of issues.

📌 Visual: Two arrows, one for "Upgrade" and another for "Rollback," connecting to the deployed app.

Step 4: Delete the Application

• Remove all resources with helm uninstall.
• Ensure a clean slate when no longer needed.

📌 Visual: A "delete" icon showing resources being cleaned up.

Complete Workflow Overview

1. Package: Create and customize Helm Charts.
2. Deploy: Install applications on Kubernetes.
3. Manage: Upgrade or roll back as needed.
4. Clean Up: Uninstall applications.

A single visual combining these steps can effectively explain the Helm workflow!