helm-chart-scaffolding

Run helm create to generate the standard chart structure with Chart.yaml, values.yaml, and a templates directory. Then configure chart metadata, define default values, write Go templates for your manifests, and validate with helm lint and helm template before packaging.

Declare dependencies in Chart.yaml with name, version, repository, and a condition field, then run helm dependency update to fetch them. Override subchart configuration through the parent chart's values.yaml using the dependency name as the top-level key.

Create separate values files such as values-dev.yaml and values-prod.yaml alongside the default values.yaml. Install with helm install using the -f flag to layer environment-specific overrides like replica counts, resource limits, and ingress hosts.

Template rendering usually fails due to undefined values, incorrect Go template syntax, or missing helper definitions. Debug with helm template --debug and helm install --dry-run --debug to see rendered manifests and pinpoint the failing template.

Helm hooks are resources annotated with helm.sh/hook that run at specific lifecycle points like pre-install or post-upgrade. Use them for tasks such as database migrations, with hook weights controlling execution order and delete policies managing cleanup.