To keep up in the modern tech industry, your company needs to stay on top of the latest software updates, developments, and scaling. Kubernetes from Google is one of the most important tools that businesses have at their disposal to manage containerized apps, including deployment and scaling.
To manage the often complex systems incorporated into Kubernetes, businesses use continuous deployment tools such as Argo CD. Argo CD is one of the best tools programmers have at their disposal for optimizing container management.
Although most businesses know why Kubernetes is important, mastering CD tools such as Argo CD can have a steep learning curve. This quick guide can help you learn how to incorporate this tool into your practice.
The Goal of Argo CD is to Streamline Kubernetes
Before incorporating Argo CD into your work practices, it’s important to know why you should use this tool in the first place.
Although Kubernetes is a very useful system, one of the main problems people run into while using it is that it is very complicated. Continuous deployment tools such as Argo CD help streamline the process by automating software updates and developments. That way, you don’t have to manually change everything every time you have an update.
A benefit that Argo CD has over other CD tools is that it is native to the Kubernetes system. That means that continuous delivery via Argo CD is easier because it connects directly to Kubernetes and can pull and insert updated code easily. When working with an already complicated system, you want to streamline it as much as possible.
When incorporating Argo CD into your software management practices, remember that your ultimate goal with this tool is to make your software management faster and more efficient. The way you use it in practice should be with an eye toward maximizing efficiency.
Creating the Right Code Base Is the Best Way to Start
Argo CD makes continuous deployment of software updates easier thanks to its integration with Kubernetes. To make this continuous delivery of updates possible, you need to have a system set up to connect code updates and new software with the Argo CD tool smoothly.
Organizing your code in the right repositories is one of the most important things to do when using Argo CD in practice. Expert developers recommend creating separate Git repositories to hold manifests that connect to Kubernetes. That way, you don’t accidentally break fundamental code in your app when you try to push out a new update.
Before you start using Argo CD, make sure that your code repositories are neatly organized. Have clearly marked systems that indicate which repositories are for what aspect of the software, so you know which ones need updating and connecting to Argo CD. Make sure that you conduct regular audits that come up clean, even once you connect Argo CD fully.
Organizing your code properly can help you avoid the most common problems associated with continuous deployment, such as infinite loops and bugs. It also makes it easier to connect Argo CD because you know which repositories it needs to integrate with.
Find the Right People to Use Argo CD
When setting up Argo CD in your business, one challenge is figuring out who should be responsible for its integration. Whenever you are implementing a new tool, it’s important to clearly designate who will be responsible for its use. That way, you don’t have a “too many cooks” situation, where too many people try to use it and nothing gets done.
Most enterprises have their DevOps team manage Argo CD. The people responsible for the ongoing operations of your application should be the first team that decides how and when to implement this tool. However, if your business does not have a designated DevOps team or your team is already swamped with work, it may make sense to configure it differently.
Other businesses opt to work with specialized Argo CD consulting to help with implementing and managing this tool. This may be the right choice for your business if you have a small in-house team, are already swamped with work, or want someone with more specialized knowledge to manage Kubernetes and Argo CD.
Incorporating Argo CD Into Your Workflow
Argo CD is an important tool that can help you streamline your Kubernetes systems and continuously deliver new updates to your customer base. Having clear goals in mind, communicating about the workflow, and organizing your code repositories are important steps in using Argo CD in practice.
Keep in mind that the ultimate goal of this tool is to make your workplace more efficient. When making decisions about how to use Argo CD, make sure that you do so in a way that saves time and effort for your team.
