Package Management
As Kubernetes applications grow in complexity, managing multiple YAML files across different environments becomes challenging. Package management tools help you organize, customize, and deploy applications more efficiently.
Kubernetes offers two primary approaches to solve these challenges:
Kustomize - Configuration Management
Kustomize uses a patch-based approach to customize Kubernetes YAML files:
- Template-free: Works with standard Kubernetes YAML
- Overlay-based: Apply patches to base configurations
- Built into kubectl: Native integration with
kubectl apply -k - GitOps friendly: Excellent for declarative workflows
Best for: Teams preferring pure YAML, simple customizations, and GitOps workflows.
Helm - Package Manager
Helm uses templates to generate Kubernetes manifests:
- Templating: Go templates with variables and functions
- Packaging: Bundle applications into reusable charts
- Release management: Install, upgrade, and rollback applications
- Large ecosystem: Thousands of pre-built charts available
Best for: Complex applications, sharing across teams, and leveraging existing charts.
Comparison
| Feature | Kustomize | Helm |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Patch-based | Template-based |
| Learning Curve | Gentler (standard YAML) | Steeper (template syntax) |
| Release Management | Basic (via kubectl) | Advanced (install/upgrade/rollback) |
| Ecosystem | Growing adoption | Mature with large chart library |
| GitOps | Excellent | Good (with additional tools) |
When to Use Which?
Choose Kustomize when:
- You prefer standard Kubernetes YAML
- Your customization needs are straightforward
- You want tight kubectl integration
Choose Helm when:
- You need complex templating and conditional logic
- You're distributing applications across teams
- You want sophisticated release management
Many teams use both tools together - Helm for complex third-party applications and Kustomize for simple internal services.