Installing Helm: A Step-by-Step Process
The process of installing Helm is effortless, you can install it using the binaries, or you can use package managers.Step 1 - Installation on macOS via homebrew
Start by installing Helm through homebrew on your macOS device.
Step 2 - Installing Helm on Windows using Chocolatey
Another option for installing Helm on Windows is by using the Chocolatey package manager. With just a simple command, "choco install Kubernetes-helm," you can easily install Helm and get started with deploying applications on your Windows machine.
Step 3 - Installing Helm with the Installer Script
It now comes with an installer script, you can fetch this script to your system, and it automatically installs the latest version of Helm in your system. $ curl -fsSL -o get_helm.sh https://raw.githubusercontent.com / helm / helm / master / scripts / get-helm-3 $ chmod 700 get_helm.sh $ ./get_helm.shStep 4 - Installing Helm from a Binary Release
Download the required version from "https://github.com/helm/helm/releases" 2. Unpack it using tar -zxvf helm-v3.0.0-linux-amd 64.tar.gz (for linux) 3. Move to helm binary to desired location (mv linux-amd64 / helm /usr / local / bin / helm ) After the installation of Helm in your system you can use the Command "helm version" to check the version of the Helm and also it verifies that Helm is successfully installed in your system.What is a Helm Chart?
The applications packages in it are called charts; they consist of YAML files and templates that are used for it Deployments.
Structure of Helm Chart:
The structure of a Helm chart is designed to simplify the deployment process and ensure consistency across different applications. It consists of several key components that work together to define and configure the chart's functionality.
|-- Chart.yaml
|-- charts
|-- templates
| |-- NOTES.txt
| |-- _helpers.tpl
| |-- deployment.yaml
| |-- ingress.yaml
| `-- service.yaml
`-- values.yaml
Chart.yaml
This file serves as the blueprint for the chart, providing essential metadata such as the chart's name, version, and keywords. It acts as the guiding force behind the chart's deployment.
README.md
The README file acts as a user-friendly guide, providing detailed information and instructions on how to effectively utilize the chart. It ensures that users can easily navigate and leverage the chart's functionalities without any confusion.
LICENSE
This file contains a plain text license that outlines the terms and conditions for using the chart. It ensures that users adhere to the specified guidelines while utilizing the chart's capabilities.
templates
This directory houses the templates files that form the backbone of the chart. When these templates are combined with the corresponding values, they seamlessly generate the valid manifest files required for successful deployment.
requirements.yaml
This file encompasses a comprehensive list of all the chart's dependencies. It ensures that all necessary components are properly integrated and functioning harmoniously.
values.yaml
This file encompasses the default configuration values for the chart. It acts as a foundational reference point, providing a starting point for users to customize and tailor the chart according to their specific needs.
configmap.yaml
This file holds the essential database configurations required for the chart's functionality. It ensures that the chart seamlessly integrates and interacts with the designated database.
secrets.yaml
This file serves as a secure vault, storing all the necessary database passwords. It guarantees that sensitive information remains protected, allowing for a secure and reliable deployment. These charts can be easily installed from a local directory or a .tar.gz file. Additionally, the repository serves as a convenient platform for users to effortlessly install charts in their Kubernetes environment.
Helm Repository: The Ultimate Collection of Charts
It is a server that acts as an arsenal for its charts. We can use any HTTP server that can serve YAML files and tar files as a it. A Helm repo contains an index.yaml file that has the list of all the packages. On the other hand, at the user side or the client-side command is used to manage the repositories.
Helm Commands:
To install tiller
helm init
To create a chart
helm create <chart name>
To List the repositories
helm repo list
To search a chart
helm search <chart name>
To install a chart
helm install <chart name> <flag>
To inspect a chart
helm inspect <chart> <flag>
Installing Application
Installing apps using it is quite easy; you can install very complex applications in just a few minutes. First of all, you have to add a repo in your system using Helm, and you can install any deployments available in that repo into your Kube cluster. For example, To install Jenkins using it we use Bitnami repository:
To install Bitnami repository, we'll use the command
helm repo add bitnami https://charts.bitnami.com/bitnami
To install Jenkins chart with a given name
helm install --name jenk bitnami/Jenkins
To check deployment
kubectl get deploy This command shows you all the
deployments running in your system, and you'll also
see Jenkins deployment there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Helm used for?
Helm is a powerful tool used for simplifying the deployment and management of applications on Kubernetes clusters. It provides a convenient way to package, share, and deploy applications using its charts. These charts act as reusable templates that contain YAML files and configuration settings, making it easier to deploy complex applications with just a few simple commands.
With Helm, you can easily search for and install pre-configured charts from its repository, eliminating the need to manually create and manage Kubernetes YAML manifest files. This not only saves time but also reduces the chances of errors that can occur when manually configuring deployments.
How does Helm work?
It enables developers/users/DevOps team to install applications onto the its cluster. Helm also calls itself .
What is Helm's alternative?
Ansible, Terraform, Kustomize, Rancher, Kubernetes, andDocker are some famous alternatives to it.
Who developed Helm?
DeisLabs developed it, a firm dedicated to helping the its ecosystem. It was later acquired by Microsoft.
What is Helm vs Docker?
Helm and Docker are popular tools for containerization and application deployment. Helm simplifies application deployment on Kubernetes clusters using charts, while Docker provides the platform and tools for building and distributing containers. Combining both tools streamlines the deployment process and allows for a more efficient application deployment.
Helm - The Future of Container Orchestration
Helm provides an effective and efficient way to install and deploy applications. It simplifies deployment on Kubernetes, reducing complexity and allowing for quick app definition and deployment. While it has limitations, such as requiring logic to write templates and some security issues, it is continuously growing and improving with the support of a passionate community. The latest version, Helm3, introduces new features and addresses security concerns, making it an ideal match for Kubernetes.
What's Next?
Read about Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform
Also, read Kubecost – Cost Analysis with Kubernetes Monitoring