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Introducing Helm: The Package Manager for Kubernetes

27 November 2025bpd · ubuntu

Deploying Complex Applications with Ease

Just as `apt` simplifies software installation on Ubuntu, Helm simplifies application deployment on Kubernetes. The ‘Ubuntu System Administration Guide’ introduces Helm as the de facto package manager for Kubernetes, allowing you to install, upgrade, and manage even the most complex applications with simple commands.

What are Helm Charts?

Helm packages applications into a format called ‘Charts’. A Chart is a collection of files that describes a related set of Kubernetes resources. For example, a WordPress chart might include templates for a Deployment, a Service, a PersistentVolumeClaim for the application files, and another set of resources for the required MySQL database.

The Helm Workflow

Using Helm involves three basic steps:

  1. Add a Repository: You add the repository that contains the chart you want to install (e.g., `helm repo add prometheus-community …`).
  2. Update Your Repositories: Run `helm repo update` to fetch the latest chart information.
  3. Install the Chart: Use the `helm install` command to deploy the application to your cluster (e.g., `helm install monitoring prometheus-community/kube-prometheus-stack`).

This post is based from content of the book Ubuntu System adminstration guide. And the book can be found here https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mattias-Hemmingsson/author/B0FF5CQX13