Hey friends, and welcome back to The Adventures of Blink!
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Today's Topic
Today's adventure is a little more of a discussion than a demo, but it's super important, especially given how much we've been talking about Git this season.
We're diving into GitOps.
TL/DR: YouTube
Don't feel like reading this? I got you. Here's a Youtube link:
What is GitOps?
GitOps is a strategy where we manage all of our operations: infrastructure, applications, even data, using Git.
The idea is simple but powerful:
Everything that defines your system lives as code in your Git repository.
This means we should be able to:
- Create our entire system from scratch just by using what's in Git.
- Get from zero to fully functional quickly, with minimal manual effort.
- Use the automation we've been learning to make it happen.
Why GitOps?
Why bother with GitOps? Here's why:
Automation Saves Work
Rather than pulling an all-nighter during launch week, automation means deployments are just a button press.
Deployments become:
- Consistent
- Reliable
- Low-stress
Eliminate Configuration Drift
Drift happens when system configurations change in undocumented ways... often during "quick fixes."
This creates problems like:
- Hidden bugs that surface during big releases
- Failed disaster recoveries because backup environments don't match production
By keeping everything in Git, we prevent drift and ensure our systems are always in a known state.
Meet Compliance and Security Requirements
If you're subject to audits, you need to document system configurations and adhere to them.
Without GitOps, manual changes constantly invalidate your documentation.
With GitOps, your system config is always up to date... and traceable.
Mantras for Practicing GitOps
If you want to embrace GitOps, start by living these two mantras:
🛑 Never Do Anything Manually
- Never deploy by hand.
- Use an existing automation tool, or script a new one.
- Even if it's "just a small setting," automate it.
- Always change your system through automation, so changes are documented and repeatable.
🚀 Deploy Frequently
Deployments shouldn't be scary.
Fear of deployment is a sign you aren't doing it often enough.
- Make deployments frequent and normal.
- Practice deploying until it's second nature.
- Trust your automation.
Note: In bigger organizations, traditional "change management" processes (like paperwork and approvals) can slow you down.
GitOps challenges those old ways — and that's a good thing!
(We'll cover feature flagging in a future adventure to explain how to separate "deploying" from "releasing"!)
Common GitOps Challenges
GitOps is awesome, but it's not "free." Here are a few realities to expect:
🐢 Slower at First
- Automation takes time to set up.
- There's a learning curve.
- You'll move slower initially, but it's an investment that pays off with speed and reliability later.
It's like going to the gym:
You don't start off lifting heavy. You build strength over time.
🔒 Secrets Management is Hard
Your Git repo should never contain sensitive credentials.
But automation still needs access to secrets. How do you handle it?
Some common strategies:
- Encrypted credentials stored in the repo (with keys managed separately)
- External secret stores like HashiCorp Vault
Secrets management requires careful setup, so don't rush it.
Wrapping Up: Your Homework
Take a look at your current systems and ask yourself:
"If my entire system vanished, could I recreate it from scratch using only what's in Git?"
If the answer is no, start making a list of the steps you'd need to automate.
That's your roadmap for starting your GitOps journey!
Thanks for hanging out on this adventure with me. 🚀
Let's keep building better systems together.
Stay awesome!
Blink
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