Description: Tiller is the server-side component of Helm, a package manager for Kubernetes. Its main function is to manage applications deployed in a Kubernetes cluster, facilitating the installation, upgrading, and removal of applications efficiently. Tiller acts as an intermediary between the Helm client and the Kubernetes cluster, allowing users to perform complex operations with ease. This component stores information about installed applications, as well as their configurations and versions, enabling users to roll back changes or perform updates without complications. Tiller uses a template-based approach, meaning users can define custom configurations for their applications using YAML files, providing flexibility and adaptability to different environments. Although Tiller was an integral part of Helm 2, its architecture has evolved with the arrival of Helm 3, where Tiller was removed in favor of a more simplified and secure approach, where the Helm client interacts directly with the Kubernetes API. This transition has improved security and usability, allowing developers to manage their applications more directly and efficiently.
History: Tiller was introduced as part of Helm 2 in 2016, designed to facilitate application management in Kubernetes. Over time, some security and complexity limitations in its use were recognized, leading the Kubernetes community to develop Helm 3, released in November 2019, where Tiller was removed to simplify interaction with the cluster.
Uses: Tiller was primarily used to manage applications in Kubernetes, allowing users to install, upgrade, and remove applications easily. Its ability to store configurations and versions facilitated the management of the application lifecycle in production environments.
Examples: An example of Tiller’s use would be installing a web application in a Kubernetes cluster, where a user could use Helm to define the application’s configuration, and Tiller would handle deploying it and managing its state in the cluster.
