Smart Learning/Kubernetes Learning Journey/Helm Basics

Debugging & Dry Running a Helm Chart

Before deploying a Helm chart, it’s a good practice to debug and dry-run it to identify any potential issues.

TrackKubernetes Learning Journey
Current SectionHelm Basics
Progress98 of 271

Debugging & Dry Running a Helm Chart

Before deploying a Helm chart, it’s a good practice to debug and dry-run it to identify any potential issues.

Helm Dry Run (--dry-run)

The dry-run feature allows you to see the rendered Kubernetes manifests without actually applying them.

Dry Run a Helm Install

helm install notes-app notes-app-chart --dry-run --debug

What it does:

  • Renders the YAML files with values substituted
  • Validates syntax and Helm templating
  • Does NOT create any Kubernetes resources

Helm Debugging (--debug)

The --debug flag provides additional output useful for debugging.

Debug a Helm Install

helm install notes-app notes-app-chart --debug

What it does:

  • Shows the full rendered manifests
  • Highlights possible issues

Helm Template (helm template)

The helm template command renders the Kubernetes manifests without deploying them.

Render Helm Templates Locally

helm template notes-app notes-app-chart

What it does:

  • Shows exactly how Kubernetes manifests will be applied
  • Helps check if values are correctly replaced

Helm Lint (helm lint)

The helm lint command checks for syntax errors in your Helm chart.

Lint Helm Chart

helm lint notes-app-chart

What it does:

  • Identifies formatting and structural issues
  • Highlights missing fields in YAML files

Debugging a Deployed Chart

If the Helm chart is already deployed but something isn't working, check the pods, logs, and Helm release details.

Check Helm Release

helm list
helm status notes-app

What it does:

  • Lists all installed Helm releases
  • Shows the status of the notes-app release

Check Kubernetes Pods

kubectl get pods
kubectl describe pod <pod-name>

What it does:

  • Checks if pods are running or crashing
  • Provides detailed logs and errors

🛠️ Check Kubernetes Logs

kubectl logs -l app=user-service

What it does:

  • Fetches logs for a specific service

Quick Debugging Workflow

Lint the chart

helm lint notes-app-chart

Render templates without deploying

helm template notes-app notes-app-chart

3Run a dry-run install

helm install notes-app notes-app-chart --dry-run --debug

Deploy and check the status

helm install notes-app notes-app-chart
helm status notes-app
kubectl get pods

Check logs for issues

kubectl logs -l app=user-service
Next TopicWhat is Helm?