Helm explained

Helm: Streamlining Kubernetes Security Management with Ease

2 min read · Oct. 30, 2024

Glossary

Origins and History of Helm
Examples and Use Cases
Career Aspects and Relevance in the Industry
Best Practices and Standards
Related Topics
Conclusion
References

Helm is a powerful package manager for Kubernetes, the open-source platform for automating deployment, scaling, and operations of application containers. Often referred to as the "Kubernetes package manager," Helm simplifies the management of complex Kubernetes applications by allowing users to define, install, and upgrade even the most intricate Kubernetes applications. It achieves this through the use of "charts," which are pre-configured Kubernetes resources.

Origins and History of Helm

Helm was originally developed by Deis, a company that was later acquired by Microsoft. The project was introduced in 2015 at the inaugural KubeCon, the Kubernetes community conference. Helm was created to address the complexity of managing Kubernetes applications, which often involve multiple interdependent resources. Since its inception, Helm has become an integral part of the Kubernetes ecosystem, with its development now overseen by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF).

Examples and Use Cases

Helm is widely used in various scenarios, including:

Application Deployment: Helm charts can be used to deploy applications with a single command, simplifying the process of managing Kubernetes manifests.
Version Control: Helm allows for easy version control of Kubernetes applications, enabling rollbacks to previous versions if needed.
Configuration Management: Helm charts can be customized with values files, allowing for flexible configuration management.
CI/CD Pipelines: Helm is often integrated into continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to automate the deployment of applications.

For instance, companies like Spotify and CERN have leveraged Helm to streamline their Kubernetes operations, enhancing both efficiency and reliability.

Career Aspects and Relevance in the Industry

As Kubernetes continues to dominate the container orchestration landscape, proficiency in Helm is becoming increasingly valuable for IT professionals. Roles such as DevOps engineers, cloud architects, and site reliability engineers (SREs) often require expertise in Helm to manage Kubernetes applications effectively. According to a 2022 CNCF survey, over 70% of Kubernetes users reported using Helm, highlighting its significance in the industry.

Best Practices and Standards

To maximize the benefits of Helm, consider the following best practices:

Chart Versioning: Always version your Helm charts to maintain a clear history of changes and facilitate rollbacks.
Security: Regularly update Helm and its charts to patch Vulnerabilities. Use tools like Helm Security Audit to identify potential security issues.
Chart Repositories: Host your Helm charts in a secure and reliable repository, such as Artifact Hub or a private repository.
Testing: Implement automated testing for Helm charts to ensure they function as expected before deployment.

Kubernetes: Understanding Kubernetes is essential for effectively using Helm.
Docker: Helm often works in conjunction with Docker, the platform for developing, shipping, and running applications in containers.
CI/CD: Continuous integration and continuous deployment practices are closely related to Helm's use in automating application deployment.