What is GitOps?

GitOps is a method of software development and deployment and is often used in combination with cloud-based infrastructure and container orchestration systems. GitOps combines the principles of code-based infrastructure management and continuous deployment. This method is used especially when integrated with container orchestration tools such as Kubernetes.

The basic principles of GitOps are as follows:

All Configuration is Stored in Git Repositories: System and application configurations are kept in Git repositories. This repository contains infrastructure and application configurations.

Traceability and History: All changes and updates can be tracked in the Git history. This provides ease of retrieving and tracking past states.

GitOps processes come with capabilities to track changes and application status. This makes it easier to detect errors and troubleshoot.

Specialized tools are often used in the implementation of GitOps methodology. Tools like Argo CD monitor configurations in Git repositories, detect changes and automatically apply those changes to the infrastructure.

Automated Deployment: The system detects configuration changes in Git repositories and automatically applies updates. This automates the continuous deployment process.

Stateful: The system continuously works to bring the actual state to the desired state. The configuration in Git repositories must be compatible with the actual system state.

This can be explained as follows. For example, if an employee makes a change in the K8S cluster, the system will be based on the Git repo and the changes will be based on the git repo and the configuration in the repo will return to the source state.

Transaction Security: Transactions are performed in accordance with security policies and authorizations. Security measures such as role-based access control are implemented.

Transactions should be Atomic and Irreversible: Updates and changes should be atomic, meaning that if an update fails, the system can be rolled back.

GitOps is particularly effective for microservice architectures and rapidly changing cloud-based environments. Maintaining application and infrastructure configurations in a Git repository improves traceability of changes and automated deployment processes enable fast and reliable application delivery.

Explore the most popular GitOps tools: https://devopstipstricks.com/top-gitops-tools-for-enhancing-your-devops-workflow/