helm-charts

A Helm chart packages Kubernetes applications using templates and configuration files. Create a chart directory with Chart.yaml (metadata), values.yaml (default values), and a templates/ folder containing Kubernetes manifests. Use `helm create` to scaffold a minimal chart structure, then customize templates and values for your deployment.

Chart.yaml defines chart metadata like name, version, and description. values.yaml provides default configuration values that templates reference. Templates use values.yaml data to render Kubernetes manifests dynamically, allowing users to override defaults during installation without editing templates.

Use `helm lint` to validate chart structure and syntax, `helm template` to render manifests without installing, and `helm install --dry-run` to preview the installation. These steps catch configuration errors, template issues, and dependency problems before applying charts to your cluster.

Yes. Helm supports versioning via Chart.yaml and manages dependencies through Chart.lock and requirements. Declare sub-chart dependencies in Chart.yaml, run `helm dependency update` to fetch them, and version charts semantically to track releases and enable rollback in CI/CD workflows.

Use `helm upgrade` to apply new chart versions or configuration changes to running releases, and `helm rollback` to revert to previous versions. Helm tracks release history automatically, letting you manage deployment changes and recover from failed upgrades without manual intervention.

Helm uses Go templating with built-in functions for conditionals, loops, and variable substitution. Helper templates in templates/_helpers.tpl define reusable logic like labels and selectors. These patterns reduce duplication, ensure consistency across manifests, and simplify configuration management at scale.