First published: 22 Jul 2024
Last modified:
Author CKA: Vincenzo Tagliavia (CKA, CKAD, CKS)
GitOps is a modern paradigm to simplify and automate CI/CD pipelines for software applications. As an acronym, GitOps is the combination of two different words: Git + Operations, or Ops.
But what does that really mean and what are the main software engineering and IT principles behind it?
The main ideas and benefits around GitOps are:
Asynchronous State Synchronisation via webhooks supported by RESTful APIs and in some case, depending on the the GitOps tool in use, Remote Procedure Calls frameworks (i.e. gRPC)
Immutability
Modularisation and finally
Automation
Traditional CI/CD tools, such as GitHub Actions, simplify the deployment process by automatically triggering builds based on changes in the source code.
For example, when a developer pushes a commit to a GitHub repository, GitHub Actions can automatically build and deploy the application. However, this is a simplified view. Typically, commits do not go directly to the main branch; instead, changes are usually reviewed and approved through Pull Requests (PRs). The key idea is that traditional CI/CD pipelines are often linear, simpler, and less secure compared to GitOps, which we’ll discuss in more detail later.
In contrast, a GitOps workflow requires a Container Registry as well as a Git Repository.
This is because GitOps separates concerns between the build and deployment pipelines, ensuring that each process is managed independently. When changes are committed to a Git repository, the output from the build is a new container image artefact, which is then pushed to the Container Registry. A GitOps agent continuously monitors the Container Registry, and when it detects changes, it synchronises the Kubernetes (K8s) cluster with the required state.
Notice how the simplicity of traditional, linear CI/CD pipelines comes with a hidden trade-off: security risks. These risks can also lead to potential loss of state and data if a disaster occurs. Security and disaster recovery are critical aspects that deserve dedicated attention – these will be covered in a future article. Stay tuned for more on this topic.
Implementing GitOps requires a suite of tools and integrations, such as ArgoCD or Flux, to automate the synchronisation between Git and Kubernetes. Managing and configuring these tools introduces complexity, particularly in large-scale environments.
Storing sensitive data and credentials in Git repositories poses security risks. While GitOps promotes transparency, it is crucial to implement proper security measures to protect sensitive information and ensure that access controls are strictly enforced. Check out our Kubernetes Security Model for an introduction about tools and frameworks we use to address these problems.
For teams new to GitOps, there is a learning curve associated with adopting this new methodology. Training and upskilling staff may be necessary to fully leverage the benefits of GitOps and avoid common pitfalls.
You can still contact us for a 30-minutes initial consultation completely free of charge so that we can better assess time, budget and other constraints we may be able to help you with.
To overcome these challenges and successfully implement GitOps in your Kubernetes environment, consider the following best practices:
Choose the Right Tools: Select GitOps tools that fit your needs and integrate well with your existing infrastructure. Tools like Argo CD and Flux are popular choices, but ensure they align with your operational requirements and team expertise.
Adopt a Declarative Approach: Embrace a declarative configuration approach for your Kubernetes manifests. This approach simplifies the management of your applications and infrastructure, ensuring consistency and reproducibility.
Implement Security Best Practices: Secure your Git repositories by using encryption and access controls. Avoid storing sensitive information directly in Git; instead, use secret management solutions to handle sensitive data.
Automate and Monitor: Automate as much of the GitOps workflow as possible to reduce manual intervention and human error. Implement monitoring and alerting systems to keep track of changes and ensure that your deployments are functioning as expected.
Continuous Improvement: GitOps is not a one-time implementation but a continuous process. Regularly review and refine your GitOps practices based on feedback and evolving requirements. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and learning within your team.
Many industry leaders have embraced GitOps with impressive results. For instance, organisations like Shopify and Weaveworks have reported significant improvements in their deployment processes and operational efficiency. Shopify, a giant in e-commerce, has utilised GitOps to streamline their development workflows, while Weaveworks, a key contributor to the GitOps movement, has successfully implemented it to manage their own Kubernetes clusters.
GitOps presents a powerful approach to managing Kubernetes deployments, offering significant benefits in terms of visibility, control, and efficiency. By leveraging Git as the single source of truth, organisations can streamline their operations, enhance security, and achieve faster, more reliable deployments. However, it is essential to address the common challenges associated with GitOps and adopt best practices to ensure successful implementation.
As you consider integrating GitOps into your Kubernetes strategy, remember that it is a journey of continuous improvement. By embracing GitOps, you are not just adopting a new technology but advancing towards a more agile, efficient, and secure operational model. The real-world success of leading organisations underscores the potential of GitOps to transform how you manage your Kubernetes environments, making it a compelling choice for modern IT leaders.
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