helm-charts

Helm charts package Kubernetes applications by organizing deployment manifests, configuration values, and templates in a standardized structure. Start with `helm create` to generate Chart.yaml, values.yaml, and template directories, then customize them for your app's services, deployments, and ingress requirements.

Chart.yaml defines chart metadata like name, version, and dependencies, while values.yaml supplies default configuration data that templates consume. values.yaml enables environment-specific overrides without modifying templates, supporting dev, staging, and production deployments from a single chart.

Yes, multi-service charts use shared templates for deployments, services, ConfigMaps, and Secrets across services. Structure values.yaml to define each service's configuration separately, then reference them in templates to deploy coordinated, interdependent applications.

Use values.yaml patterns with environment-driven overrides: maintain a base values.yaml and create environment-specific files (values-prod.yaml, values-staging.yaml). During install or upgrade, specify multiple `-f` flags to layer overrides, applying the correct configuration per environment.

Core Helm commands are `helm install` (initial deployment), `helm upgrade` (apply changes), `helm rollback` (revert to prior release), and `helm template` (preview rendered manifests). These commands automate Kubernetes resource creation and lifecycle management without manual kubectl application.

Yes, Helm templates use Go templating syntax for dynamic manifest generation. Learn loops, conditionals, and variable interpolation to transform values.yaml into valid Kubernetes manifests for deployments, services, ingress, and secrets.