What are the core principles behind Helm vs Kustomize?

Helm and Kustomize are essential tools for managing Kubernetes configurations, each with unique core principles. Helm is a package manager that leverages a templating system to simplify deployment while Kustomize allows for overlays and customization without templating. Understanding their differences helps in choosing the right tool for representing Kubernetes applications efficiently.

Helm, Kustomize, Kubernetes, configuration management, templating, overlays, deployment, DevOps

        # Example of a Helm Chart Structure
        mychart/
        ├── Chart.yaml          # Metadata about the chart
        ├── values.yaml         # Default configuration values
        ├── templates/          # Template files
        │   ├── deployment.yaml  # Kubernetes Deployment template
        │   └── service.yaml     # Kubernetes Service template
        ├── charts/             # Any dependencies
        └── requirements.yaml    # Dependencies information
        
        # Example of Kustomize Structure
        myapp/
        ├── kustomization.yaml  # Kustomize configuration file
        ├── deployment.yaml     # Kubernetes Deployment resource
        ├── service.yaml        # Kubernetes Service resource
        └── overlays/           # Overlay directories for customization
            ├── production/
            │   └── kustomization.yaml  # Production-specific settings
            └── staging/
                └── kustomization.yaml  # Staging-specific settings
        

Helm Kustomize Kubernetes configuration management templating overlays deployment DevOps