Helm is a package manager for Kubernetes applications that automates the creation, packaging, configuration, and deployment of Kubernetes applications by combining configuration files into a single reusable package. Helm charts are packages that contain all the necessary resources to deploy an application to a Kubernetes cluster, including YAML configuration files for deployments, services, secrets, and config maps that define the desired state of the application. Helm plays a vital role in making Kubernetes applications easier to build and test in a continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipeline. It can automatically deploy an application in any environment and reduce build times.
Helm is helpful when your project uses Kubernetes to run complex applications with many microservices. Using Helm, you can easily automate the deployment and management of the application, reducing the amount of manual work and improving the reliability and stability of the system. Helm also provides access to an extensive repository of preconfigured packages, making it easy to add new features and functionality to the application. If your project involves frequent updates and deployments of Kubernetes applications, Helm can help by providing tools for managing the lifecycle of your applications, including their deployment, updates, and rollbacks.
Helm is an open-source project that is maintained by the Helm community and is a graduated project in the CNCF. It consists of two components: the Helm Client and the Helm Library. The Helm Client is the CLI for end-users and is responsible for local chart development, managing repositories and releases, and interacting with the Helm Library to execute user demands. The Helm Library is the logic for Helm operations execution and communicates with the Kubernetes API through the Kubernetes client library.
To use Helm, you can install it with a package manager or download a binary. Once installed, you can unpack the Helm binary and add it to your PATH. Helm is easy to use and provides a simple, consistent way to manage Kubernetes applications.
