Simplify Deployment with Helm

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. What is Helm and Wallaroo?

2.1 Definition of Helm

2.2 Definition of Wallaroo

3. How to Use Helm for Kubernetes Service Installation

3.1 Prerequisites for Installing Wallaroo with Helm

3.2 Registering with the Registry Service

3.3 Running Pre-flight Checks

3.4 Creating Secrets for Certificates

3.5 Overriding Helm Values with a Local Values File

3.6 Installing Wallaroo with Helm

3.7 Upgrading and Changing Wallaroo Installation with Helm

3.8 Uninstalling Wallaroo with Helm

4. Tips and Tricks for Using Helm

4.1 Checking Prerequisites and Running Pre-flight Checks

4.2 Handling YAML Formatting and Syntax

4.3 Using Support Bundles for Troubleshooting

5. Conclusion

How to Use Helm for Kubernetes Service Installation

Helm is a powerful tool for deploying applications on Kubernetes and streamlining the installation process. In this article, we will explore how to use Helm to install Wallaroo, a platform for running machine learning models in production. We will walk through the steps of registering with a registry service, running pre-flight checks, creating secrets for certificates, overriding Helm values with a local values file, and finally installing Wallaroo with Helm.

1. Introduction

In today's world, it is crucial for companies to streamline the process of deploying machine learning models into production. This is where Helm comes in. Helm is a Package manager for Kubernetes that allows You to define, install, and manage applications and services on your Kubernetes cluster with ease. In this article, we will focus on how to use Helm to install Wallaroo, a platform that helps automate the deployment process of machine learning models in production.

2. What is Helm and Wallaroo?

2.1 Definition of Helm

Helm is a popular package manager for Kubernetes that streamlines the installation and management of applications on Kubernetes clusters. It allows you to define and organize your application as a set of charts, which are packages that contain all the necessary Kubernetes objects and configurations to deploy and run your application. With Helm, you can easily deploy, upgrade, and rollback your application versions, as well as manage the configuration and dependencies of your application.

2.2 Definition of Wallaroo

Wallaroo is a platform designed to simplify the process of running machine learning models in production. It helps bridge the gap between ML experimentation, development, and production, ensuring that ML models are deployed and maintained at Scale, while also providing observability and monitoring to ensure their performance. Wallaroo supports multiple cloud providers and can run on-premises as well. It offers both a Community Edition, which is free, and an Enterprise Edition with additional features and support.

3. How to Use Helm for Kubernetes Service Installation

3.1 Prerequisites for Installing Wallaroo with Helm

Before we can install Wallaroo with Helm, there are a few prerequisites that need to be met. First and foremost, you will need to have kubectl (Kubernetes command-line tool) installed and configured to connect to your Kubernetes cluster. Additionally, you will need to have helm (Helm command-line tool) installed on your local machine.

3.2 Registering with the Registry Service

In order to fetch the necessary containers and configuration values, Wallaroo uses a registry service. Before installing Wallaroo, you need to register with the registry service and provide your credentials. This can be done using the registry login command and specifying your username and password.

3.3 Running Pre-flight Checks

Before installing any application with Helm, it is recommended to run pre-flight checks to ensure that your environment is valid and ready for installation. These checks verify various aspects such as resource availability, version compatibility, and required dependencies. You can use tools like crew (a Kubernetes plugin) to perform these checks and ensure a smooth installation process.

3.4 Creating Secrets for Certificates

Wallaroo requires certificates for secure communication and authentication. In order to use these certificates during the installation process, you need to Create a Kubernetes secret using the kubectl create secret command. This secret will store the necessary certificates, private keys, and other authentication information required during the installation.

3.5 Overriding Helm Values with a Local Values File

Helm allows you to override the default values and configurations provided by the charts using a local values file. This file allows you to customize the installation by specifying your own values for various parameters, such as URLs, version numbers, and secrets. By using a local values file, you can easily modify the installation process without directly modifying the original Helm chart.

3.6 Installing Wallaroo with Helm

Once all the prerequisites are met and the necessary configurations are in place, you can proceed with the installation of Wallaroo using Helm. This involves specifying the release name, registry URL, version, and the path to the local values file. Helm will fetch the required containers and configurations from the registry service and deploy them to your Kubernetes cluster. The installation process may take a few minutes, depending on the size and complexity of your application.

3.7 Upgrading and Changing Wallaroo Installation with Helm

After the initial installation, you may need to make changes or updates to your Wallaroo deployment. Helm makes it easy to upgrade your installation by allowing you to modify the values in your local values file and running the upgrade command. This will update the necessary components and configurations without affecting the already running instances of your application. You can also Roll back to a previous version if needed.

3.8 Uninstalling Wallaroo with Helm

If you no longer need Wallaroo or want to remove it from your Kubernetes cluster, you can use Helm to uninstall it. Simply run the helm uninstall command followed by the release name, and Helm will remove all the installed components, configurations, and secrets associated with Wallaroo from your cluster. You can also clean up any remaining artifacts by deleting the namespace in which Wallaroo was installed.

4. Tips and Tricks for Using Helm

4.1 Checking Prerequisites and Running Pre-flight Checks

Before installing any application with Helm, it is essential to check and ensure that you have met all the prerequisites. Make sure that you have the necessary command-line tools installed, such as kubectl and helm, and that they are correctly configured to connect to your Kubernetes cluster. Additionally, run pre-flight checks using tools like crew to verify the readiness of your environment before proceeding with the installation.

4.2 Handling YAML Formatting and Syntax

Helm uses YAML files to define the configuration values and settings for your application. It is essential to pay Attention to the formatting and syntax of these YAML files, as even small errors can cause issues during installation. Make sure to check for proper indentation, correct placement of commas and colons, and valid YAML syntax. It is also a good practice to run a YAML linter to catch any potential errors or inconsistencies.

4.3 Using Support Bundles for Troubleshooting

In case something goes wrong during the installation or operation of your application, Helm provides the ability to create support bundles. These bundles contain valuable information such as log files, configuration files, and environment details that can help troubleshoot and identify the root cause of the issue. You can generate support bundles and share them with support or technical personnel to get assistance and resolve any problems quickly.

5. Conclusion

Using Helm for Kubernetes service installation offers a streamlined and efficient way to deploy applications, such as Wallaroo, in a Kubernetes environment. By following the steps outlined in this article and leveraging the power of Helm, you can easily install, upgrade, and manage your applications, ensuring smooth operation and efficient deployment of machine learning models. Remember to check the prerequisites, run pre-flight checks, create secrets, and use local values files to customize your installation. With Helm, you can simplify and streamline your deployment process, making it easier to bring ML models into production.

Highlights:

• Helm is a package manager for Kubernetes that simplifies the installation and management of applications.
• Wallaroo is a platform that simplifies running machine learning models in production.
• Helm can be used to install Wallaroo, customize the installation, and handle upgrades and changes.
• Pre-flight checks, secrets for certificates, and local values files are important aspects of deploying with Helm.
• Troubleshooting can be facilitated with support bundles.

FAQ:

Q: What is Helm? A: Helm is a package manager for Kubernetes, allowing for simplified installation and management of applications.

Q: What is Wallaroo? A: Wallaroo is a platform designed for running machine learning models in production.

Q: How can Helm be used to install Wallaroo? A: Helm can be used to install Wallaroo by specifying the release name, registry URL, version, and local values file.

Q: What are some prerequisites for installing Wallaroo with Helm? A: Prerequisites include having kubectl and helm installed, registering with the registry service, and running pre-flight checks.

Q: Can Wallaroo be customized during installation? A: Yes, Helm allows for overriding default values and configurations using a local values file.

Q: Is it possible to upgrade or change a Wallaroo installation with Helm? A: Yes, Helm makes it easy to upgrade or modify a Wallaroo installation by modifying values in the local values file and running the upgrade command.

Q: How can Wallaroo be uninstalled using Helm? A: Wallaroo can be uninstalled by using the helm uninstall command followed by the release name.