Tool
TOC
Introduction
Tool refers to a utility used to generate or process Kubernetes resource Manifests.
Supported Tools
Argo CD supports several Kubernetes manifest definition approaches:
- Kustomize Applications Kustomize
- Helm Charts Helm
- Directory: Manifests containing
YAML/JSON/Jsonnetfiles, includingJsonnetDirectory - Custom Configuration Management Plugins: Any custom tool configured as a Config Management Plugin
Development Workflow
Argo CD allows direct upload of local manifests, but this is intended for development purposes only. Overriding requires users with permissions (typically administrators) to upload local manifests. It supports all aforementioned Kubernetes deployment tools. To upload a local application:
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Helm | Kustomize | Directory (Pure YAML) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration Method | Templating (dynamic generation) | Declarative (patches and overlays) | Static YAML files |
| Reusability | High (via Charts) | Medium (via base/overlay) | Low |
| Multi-Environment Support | High (via values.yaml) | High (via overlays) | Low |
| Progressive Delivery | High (complex logic support) | Medium (simple patch support) | Low |
| Learning Curve | High (template syntax) | Low (YAML-based) | Low |
| Argo CD Integration | Supported | Native Support | Supported |
| Use Cases | Complex apps, multi-environment, distribution | Multi-environment, config reuse | Small projects, rapid prototyping |
References
For more detailed information, please refer to: Tool