2026-11-01 –, Seminar Room 4
This tutorial builds on the Kubernetes concepts introduced in Tutorial 1 by
demonstrating how Helm simplifies application deployment and lifecycle
management.
Participants convert a manually deployed application into a reusable Helm chart,
parameterise configuration, perform upgrades and rollbacks, and learn how Helm
integrates into modern CI/CD workflows.
Examples are based on production deployment practices used by Data Central (AAO),
Macquarie University and partner institutions for deploying scientific applications to
Kubernetes.
Primary Learning Objectives
Participants will learn how to:
- Understand Helm architecture
- Create a Helm chart
- Write reusable templates
- Configure applications using values.yaml
- Install and upgrade Helm releases
- Roll back failed deployments
- Organise charts for multiple environments
- Understand Helm's role in CI/CD workflows
Detailed Tutorial structure
| Time | Topic | Hands-on Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10 min | Helm overview | Compare raw YAML vs Helm |
| 10–25 min | Chart anatomy | Explore Chart.yaml, templates, values.yaml |
| 25–45 min | Exercise 1 | Create a Helm chart using helm create |
| 45–65 min | Exercise 2 | Template Deployment, Service and Ingress |
| 65–80 min | Exercise 3 | Configure values.yaml for multiple environments |
| 80–95 min | Exercise 4 | Install and upgrade a Helm release |
| 95–110 min | Exercise 5 | Roll back a failed deployment |
| 110–120 min | Helm best practices, CI/CD integration and Q&A |
Hands-on Exercises
Participants will:
1. Create a Helm chart
2. Modify templates
3. Parameterise application configuration
4. Install a Helm release
5. Upgrade an application
6. Roll back a failed deployment
7. Package the chart for reuse
Tutorial Material
Participants will receive:
- Workshop slides
- Helm tutorial workbook
- Example Helm charts
- GitLab repository
- Helm command reference
- Example GitLab CI pipeline
Participant Requirements
Participants will continue using the workshop VM and Kubernetes cluster provisioned
for Tutorial 1.
Software/DevOps engineer at AAO.