Get started with Pack
Pack is a Kubernetes custom resource for defining and managing the installation of a Helm chart. Most users work with Pack through Kubchi, but the same installation can also be inspected and managed through a YAML manifest, GitOps, or kubit-cli. To write a manifest directly, start with the Pack reference.
Pack, the operator, Helm, and Kubchi
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Pack | Stores the desired installation state: repository, chart name and version, vars, and values |
| Pack Operator | Watches Pack resources and reconciles their Helm releases |
kubit-cli | Provides Helm output, diffs, migrations, exports, and specialized Pack operations from the command line |
| Helm | Renders charts and values into Kubernetes manifests and manages Helm releases |
| Helm Chart | A versioned package containing templates, values.yaml, and application metadata |
| Kubchi | The panel interface and application catalog for creating, configuring, and viewing Packs |
Pack does not replace a Helm chart. The chart defines the application structure, while Pack selects the chart version and values to install in a project. Pack Operator applies that definition through Helm.
Pack installation flow
- The user selects an application in Kubchi or writes a Pack manifest directly.
- The installation definition is stored as a
Packresource in the project namespace. - Pack Operator validates the resource and locates the requested chart and version.
- The operator renders
varsandvaluesand passes the chart to Helm. - Helm installs or upgrades the Kubernetes resources as a Helm release.
- Pack Operator records status, errors, and exports on the Pack resource; Kubchi displays the same result.
Where Kubchi fits
Kubchi is the main panel interface for day-to-day Pack operations. When you install or configure an application from the Kubchi catalog, Kubchi creates or updates the Pack definition for the project. Pack Operator and Helm still perform the installation.
To install a ready-made application, start with Install a Pack in Kubchi. To change its values in the panel, read Configure an application in Kubchi.
The technical Pack documentation is useful when you need to write a YAML manifest, keep changes in GitOps, inspect Helm output, diagnose operator errors, or build a Pack-compatible chart.
Recommended reading order
- Pack manifest reference for versions,
values,vars, Vault, and lifecycle - Pack Operator reconciliation for apply, upgrade, and status behavior
- kubit-cli reference for templates, diffs, exports, migrations, and Pack operations
- Helm and Helm Chart for packages, values, and Helm releases
- Pack chart capabilities for chart authors
- Write a Pack migration for incompatible changes between chart versions
The last two guides cover advanced chart-authoring topics. They are not required for routine Pack installation and management.
Choose a guide by task
| Goal | Start here |
|---|---|
| Install a ready-made application | Install a Pack in Kubchi |
| Manage Pack through YAML or GitOps | Pack reference |
| Diagnose installation or upgrade behavior | Pack Operator |
| Inspect Helm output before applying it | Helm commands in kubit-cli |
| Learn Helm and chart concepts | Helm and Helm Chart |
| Add exports or migrations to a chart | Chart capabilities |