How to Migrate From Helm 2 to Helm 3 in 2025?
# How to Migrate from Helm 2 to Helm 3 in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
If you're a developer or system administrator using Kubernetes, chances are you've depended on Helm, the de facto package manager for Kubernetes, to simplify the deployment of applications.
With the advancements and updates in Kubernetes over the years, migrating from Helm 2 to Helm 3 has become a necessary step to stay current and take advantage of enhanced features and security improvements. This guide provides a step-by-step process for migrating from Helm 2 to Helm 3 in 2025.
Why Migrate to Helm 3?
Helm 3, released in December 2019, brought significant changes and improvements over Helm 2. Some key benefits include:
- No Server-side Component: Helm 3 removes Tiller, which enhances security by removing the need for cluster-admin rights.
- Improved Security: With client-side architecture, Helm 3 supports more granular role-based access control (RBAC).
- Enhanced Features: Native support for hooks, Helm test framework, and improved chart management ease the deployment process.
By 2025, sticking with Helm 2 is not only outdated but potentially insecure, as it no longer aligns with contemporary Kubernetes architecture and security standards.
Prerequisites for Migration
Before migrating, ensure you have:
- Up-to-Date Backups: Backup your existing Helm v2 configurations and releases.
- Kubernetes Access: Ensure you have access to your Kubernetes cluster and necessary permissions.
- Helm 3 Installation: Install Helm 3 on your local machine. You can download the latest version from the official Helm website.
Migration Steps
Step 1: Install Helm 3
If you haven't already, install Helm 3 by following the instructions on the official Helm website. Verify installation using:
helm version
Step 2: Install the Helm 2 to Helm 3 Plugin
Helm 3 provides a plugin, helm-2to3, designed to assist in the migration process. Install it with:
helm3 plugin install https://github.com/helm/helm-2to3
Step 3: Convert Helm 2 Configuration and Releases
Use the 2to3 plugin to convert Helm 2 configurations and releases:
helm3 2to3 convert --dry-run
Running with the --dry-run flag helps ensure everything is in place for a smooth transition. If no issues are detected, proceed with the actual migration:
helm3 2to3 convert <release-name>
Repeat the process for all releases.
Step 4: Verify Migration
After conversion, verify that all releases have moved to Helm 3 successfully:
helm3 list
Ensure every release is present and functioning as expected.
Step 5: Clean Up
Once you are confident in the migration's success, clean up the old Helm 2 configuration and releases:
helm3 2to3 cleanup
This step is crucial to avoid orphaned resources.
Additional Resources
- For more details on merging override values, visit this Kubernetes resource.
- To learn about securing your Minikube Kubernetes cluster, check this guide.
- Discover more Kubernetes insights at this forum.
Conclusion
Migrating from Helm 2 to Helm 3 is essential to leverage the latest features and security improvements that align with modern Kubernetes operations. This guide should prepare you to perform a seamless transition, ensuring the continued efficient management of your Kubernetes applications. Embrace Helm 3 in 2025 for a robust, secure, and feature-rich deployment experience.