Learning Helm

A comprehensive guide to mastering Helm, the Kubernetes package manager.

• References)

Overview

Helm is the package manager for Kubernetes, allowing you to define, install, and upgrade complex Kubernetes applications. This repository provides hands-on learning materials to master Helm for application packaging and deployment.

What is Helm?

Helm helps you:

• Package Kubernetes applications into reusable charts
• Manage application deployments with releases
• Version your Kubernetes configurations
• Share application configurations across teams
• Simplify complex deployments with templates and values

Learning Path

Prerequisites

• Working Kubernetes cluster (AKS, EKS, GKE, or local)
• kubectl configured and working
• Basic Kubernetes knowledge (Deployments, Services, ConfigMaps)
• Command line familiarity

Learning Structure

learning-helm/
├── README.md (this file)
├── concepts/              # Theoretical knowledge
│   ├── 01-helm-fundamentals.md
│   ├── 02-charts-and-templates.md
│   ├── 03-values-and-configuration.md
│   └── 04-advanced-helm.md
├── labs/                  # Hands-on exercises
│   ├── 01-first-chart/
│   ├── 02-nginx-deployment/
│   ├── 03-multi-tier-app/
│   └── 04-chart-dependencies/
├── examples/              # Reference implementations
│   ├── simple-webapp/
│   ├── microservice/
│   └── stateful-app/
└── REFERENCES.md          # External resources

Quick Start

1. Install Helm:

   # macOS
   brew install helm
   
   # Linux
   curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/helm/helm/main/scripts/get-helm-3 | bash
   
   # Windows
   choco install kubernetes-helm

2. Verify Installation:

   helm version

3. Create Your First Chart:

   helm create myapp
   cd myapp
   helm install myapp-release .

Learning Objectives

By the end of this learning path, you will be able to:

• ✅ Understand Helm architecture (Charts, Releases, Repositories)
• ✅ Create and package Helm charts
• ✅ Use values files for environment-specific configurations
• ✅ Work with Helm templates and functions
• ✅ Manage chart dependencies
• ✅ Deploy and upgrade applications with Helm
• ✅ Implement Helm best practices

Recommended Learning Order

1. Start Here: Concepts: Helm Fundamentals
2. First Lab: Lab 01: Create Your First Chart
3. Continue Learning: Work through concepts and labs sequentially
4. Practice: Use examples as reference for your own projects

Related Learning Repositories

• learning-kubernetes - Kubernetes fundamentals
• learning-crossplane - Infrastructure as Code
• learning-backstage - Developer portal (uses Helm)

Contributing

Found an issue or want to add content? Please open an issue or submit a pull request.

---

Last Updated: December 26, 2025
Maintainer: Willem van Heemstra
License: MIT