How to Use Helm Install Command

Helm is a powerful package manager for Kubernetes that simplifies the deployment and management of applications. Among its many commands, the helm install command is a fundamental tool for deploying applications onto your Kubernetes cluster. In this article, we'll delve into the details of using the helm install command, providing step-by-step instructions and examples to help you master this essential Helm feature.

1. Understanding Helm Install:
   Before we dive into the practical aspects, let's understand the helm install command's role. This command is used to deploy Kubernetes applications from Helm charts, which are packages of pre-configured Kubernetes resources.

2. Basic Syntax:
   The basic syntax of the helm install command is as follows:

   helm install [RELEASE_NAME] [CHART]
   

   • RELEASE_NAME: This is the name you give to your release, which is essentially an instance of a chart.
   • CHART: Refers to the path, URL, or name of the chart to install.

3. Command Options:
   The helm install command offers several options to customize your deployment. Some notable options include:

   • --namespace: Specifies the Kubernetes namespace for the release.
   • --values: Allows you to specify custom configuration values.
   • --set: Overrides values in the chart.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions:
   Let's walk through the process of using the helm install command step by step:

   • Step 1: Choose a Chart
     Decide on the Helm chart you want to install. You can use a publicly available chart or create your own.

   • Step 2: Run the Helm Install Command
     Open your terminal and execute the helm install command, replacing [RELEASE_NAME] and [CHART] with your desired values.

     helm install my-release stable/nginx-ingress
     

   • Step 3: Check the Deployment
     Verify that your deployment was successful by checking the status of your release.

     helm status my-release
     

5. More Examples:

   • Example 1: Install with a Custom Namespace

     helm install my-release stable/nginx-ingress --namespace my-namespace
     

   • Example 2: Set Custom Values

     helm install my-release stable/nginx-ingress --set controller.replicaCount=2
     

   • Example 3: Install from a Specific Chart Version

     helm install my-release stable/nginx-ingress --version 1.2.3
     

So, the helm install command is a crucial tool in the Helm ecosystem, allowing for the seamless deployment of applications on Kubernetes. By following the steps outlined in this article and experimenting with the provided examples, you can enhance your proficiency in using Helm for managing your Kubernetes workloads.