Kustomize

Declarative K8s customization without templating.

Definition

Kustomize layers: base/ (common manifests) + overlays/{env}/ (kustomization.yaml + patches). Operators: patchesStrategicMerge, patchesJson6902, configMapGenerator, secretGenerator, namespace, namePrefix, commonLabels, transformers. Alternative to Helm for those rejecting templating. Strong integration with Argo CD, Flux CD.

Origin

Google + Kubernetes SIG CLI, kustomize project announced 2018, native kubectl integration K8s 1.14 (March 2019).

Usage

Standard for manifest customization without templating. Compatible with GitOps workflow (Argo CD, Flux).

Related terms

• Kubernetes — plateforme cible.
• Helm — concurrent templating.
• GitOps — pattern d'usage.