How to Fix Helm "Has No Deployed Releases" Error

If you've encountered the Helm error message "Has No Deployed Releases," you're not alone. This cryptic message can be frustrating, but fear not! In this guide, we'll unravel the mystery behind this error and provide you with a step-by-step solution to get your Helm deployments back on track.

Understanding the Error:

Before diving into the solution, let's briefly understand what the error means. Helm, the Kubernetes package manager, uses the concept of releases to manage deployed applications. When you see the "Has No Deployed Releases" error, it indicates that Helm can't find any previously deployed releases in the specified namespace.

Checking the Helm Environment:

The first step is to ensure that you are working in the correct Kubernetes context and namespace. Run the following commands to verify:

kubectl config current-context  # Check the current context
kubectl config view --minify | grep namespace  # Check the current namespace

If the context or namespace is incorrect, switch to the correct one using:

kubectl config use-context <desired-context>
kubectl config set-context --current --namespace=<desired-namespace>

Listing Helm Releases:

To list all deployed Helm releases in a namespace, use the following Helm command:

helm list -n <namespace>

If the list is empty, it confirms the error. Now, let's move on to fixing it.

Fixing the "Has No Deployed Releases" Error:

Step 1: Verify Tiller Installation

Ensure that Tiller, the server-side component of Helm, is installed in your cluster. If not, install it using:

helm init --service-account tiller --upgrade

Step 2: Check Release Status

Sometimes, releases may be in a failed state. Check the status of all releases, including failed ones:

helm list -n <namespace> --all

Step 3: Rollback or Delete Failed Release

If you find a failed release, you can either rollback to a previous revision or delete it:

Rollback:

helm rollback <release-name> <revision-number> -n <namespace>

Delete:

helm delete <release-name> -n <namespace>

Step 4: Re-Deploy

After resolving any issues with failed releases, redeploy your Helm chart:

helm install <release-name> <chart-name> -n <namespace> [additional flags]

More Examples:

Example 1: Rollback to a Previous Release

helm rollback <release-name> <revision-number> -n <namespace>

Example 2: Delete a Release

helm delete <release-name> -n <namespace>

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix the Helm "Has No Deployed Releases" error. Remember to check your Kubernetes context, review release statuses, and take appropriate actions to resolve any issues. Helm is a powerful tool, and with a bit of understanding, you can keep your Kubernetes deployments running smoothly.