Key Highlights

  • Helm 4.0 is the first major upgrade in six years, addressing scalability, security, and developer workflow challenges
  • The new version introduces native support for server-side apply, a feature that moves logic from the kubectl apply command into the API server
  • Helm 4.0 features a rebuilt plugin system, allowing users to write plugins in WebAssembly (WASM) for broader portability

The release of Helm 4.0 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Kubernetes package management. As the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) celebrates Helm’s 10th anniversary, the new version aims to address the challenges that have emerged in the Kubernetes ecosystem. With its focus on scalability, security, and developer workflow, Helm 4.0 is poised to revolutionize the way developers manage and deploy applications on Kubernetes.

Introduction to Helm 4.0

Helm 4.0 is the culmination of a year-long development process, guided by the Helm Improvement Proposal (HIP-0012). The proposal outlined a roadmap for the new version, emphasizing feature development that could be delivered in a reasonable timeframe while introducing breaking changes carefully. The result is a version that not only modernizes Helm but also aligns it with the latest trends in the Kubernetes ecosystem. With its support for server-side apply, Helm 4.0 takes a significant step towards becoming a deployment orchestrator, rather than just a chart renderer.

New Features and Enhancements

The new version of Helm introduces several key features and enhancements, including:

  • Native support for server-side apply, which moves the logic from the kubectl apply command into the API server
  • A rebuilt plugin system, allowing users to write plugins in WebAssembly (WASM) for broader portability
  • Improved chart distribution and signing, ensuring that charts are properly validated and verified
  • Enhanced performance, resulting in faster and more efficient deployments

These features demonstrate Helm’s commitment to addressing the needs of the Kubernetes community. By providing a more robust and scalable package management system, Helm 4.0 enables developers to focus on building and deploying applications, rather than managing the underlying infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

While Helm 4.0 marks a significant milestone, there are still areas that require attention, such as support for Custom Resource Definitions (CRDs). The community has expressed disappointment at the omission of this feature, which is crucial for managing complex applications. However, the Helm maintainers have indicated that features not initially adopted for v4 may be considered in minor releases or even Helm 5. As the Kubernetes ecosystem continues to evolve, it is essential for Helm to keep pace, addressing the needs of the community and providing a robust and scalable package management system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Helm 4.0 represents a significant step forward for Kubernetes package management. With its focus on scalability, security, and developer workflow, the new version is poised to revolutionize the way developers manage and deploy applications on Kubernetes. As the community continues to evolve and grow, it is essential for Helm to keep pace, addressing the needs of the community and providing a robust and scalable package management system.

Source: Official Link