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This guide assumes you’re familiar with GitOps, Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD workflows.

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Key Concepts Overview

Below is a quick reference of FluxCD’s core components and GitOps terminology.

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1. Bootstrapping

Bootstrapping is the initial step to install Flux components on your Kubernetes cluster.
Use the flux bootstrap command to connect your cluster with a Git repository following GitOps best practices.

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2. Agent / Controller

Flux controllers (or agents) implement Kubernetes’ controller pattern:
  • They run reconciliation loops.
  • Watch for custom resources (CRDs).
  • Continuously compare and reconcile the cluster’s actual state against Git-defined desired state.

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3. Sources

Sources define where Flux retrieves configuration or package artifacts:
  • GitRepository: Monitors a Git repo for YAML manifests or Kustomize overlays.
  • HelmRepository: Tracks Helm charts.
  • OCIRepository: Fetches Helm charts or container images from an OCI registry.

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4. Kustomization

The Kustomization controller applies a set of overlays or plain manifests:
  • Applies resources to the cluster.
  • Continuously reconciles updates.
  • Supports features like patches, generators, and strategic merges.

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5. Reconciliation

Reconciliation is Flux’s core mechanism:
  • Compares the actual state of your cluster with the desired state defined in Git.
  • By default, reconciliation runs automatically at each interval.
  • You can temporarily suspend or resume this process.
Suspending reconciliation in production may delay critical updates. Always verify before pausing.

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6. Suspend & Resume

Use the Flux CLI to manage reconciliation:
When suspended, manual intervention via flux reconcile is required to apply changes.

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7. Prune

Pruning ensures your cluster stays clean:
  • When enabled, Flux automatically deletes Kubernetes resources that are no longer defined in the Git source.
  • Helps prevent resource drift and orphaned objects.
The image is a table explaining FluxCD concepts and terminology, including terms like Bootstrap, Agent, Controller, Sources, Kustomization, Reconciliation, Suspend, Resume, Prune, and Image. It includes brief definitions for each term.

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8. Flux Image Automation

The flux image command manages image automation objects:
  • Image Reflector Controller: Monitors container registries for new tags.
  • Image Automation Controller: Commits updated image references to your Git repository.

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Common Commands

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References

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