Containerization & Kubernetes Automation

What is containerization?

Containerization packages an application and its dependencies into a container image that can run consistently on any infrastructure. Docker popularised this model; its open‑platform allows developers to build, ship and run applications by isolating them from the underlying infrastructure. Instead of configuring servers manually, the container image contains everything needed to run the application. When these containers run across multiple hosts, they are managed by orchestration platforms like Kubernetes, an open‑source system that automates the deployment, scaling and management of containerized applications. By combining Docker for packaging and Kubernetes for orchestration, teams can deliver software quickly while ensuring that applications behave the same from development through production.

Building images with GitHub Actions

GitHub Actions is a continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) platform that allows you to automate your build, test and deployment pipeline. Workflows are defined as YAML files stored in the .github/workflows directory and run when events occur in your repository; each workflow can run jobs in parallel or sequentially. For containerized applications, a workflow might:

1. Check out your source code from GitHub.
2. Use a Docker action to build the container image.
3. Run automated tests inside the container.
4. Push the image to a container registry.
5. Trigger a deployment to a Kubernetes cluster.

GitHub Actions supports Linux, Windows and macOS runners, so you can build and test images across different environments. bCubex can design a GitHub Actions pipeline to build your images from code, run tests, scan for vulnerabilities and publish signed images to your registry of choice. By automating these steps, you reduce manual errors and accelerate delivery.

Storing & distributing container images

A container registry is a collection of repositories used to store, version and distribute container images. By hosting all your images in one location, developers can commit, identify and pull images when needed. Registries may be public (e.g., Docker Hub) or private; private registries provide greater control over access and security.

Below are common registries we support:

Our DevOps experts will help you choose the right registry (or set up your own private registry) based on your compliance requirements, region and integration needs. We can also configure vulnerability scanning, content signing and retention policies to keep your images secure.

• Docker Hub
• Amazon ECR
• Google GCR

Deploying with Argo CD & Helm

While GitHub Actions builds and publishes your images, deployment is handled by declarative tools.

Argo CD

Argo CD is a declarative, GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes. It treats Git repositories as the single source of truth and continuously compares the desired application state stored in Git with the live state in your cluster. When differences are detected, Argo CD can automatically sync the cluster to match the desired configuration. This GitOps approach provides auditability and repeatability—changes are made via pull requests, reviewed, and then automatically applied.

Helm

Helm is the official package manager for Kubernetes. Helm charts help you define, install and upgrade even the most complex Kubernetes applications. A chart packages Kubernetes manifests (Deployments, ConfigMaps, Services, etc.) into a reusable template, enabling repeatable deployments across environments. Helm automates application deployment, upgrades and rollbacks, reducing the complexity of managing Kubernetes manifests and supporting versioned releases.

bCubex combines Argo CD and Helm to provide seamless deployment pipelines:

1. We write Helm charts for your services, packaging all Kubernetes resources and default values.
2. We store these charts and environment values in Git.
3. Argo CD monitors the repository and automatically syncs your cluster to the desired state when changes are merged.
4. Rollbacks and multi‑environment deployments become as simple as switching Git branches.

By codifying infrastructure and deployments, you gain predictable releases, instant rollbacks and clear change history.