Docker vs Helm: What are the differences?

## Introduction

Key differences between Docker and Helm are outlined below:

1. **Containerization vs. Package Manager**: Docker is a containerization platform that allows you to create, deploy, and run applications in containers, while Helm is a package manager for Kubernetes that simplifies the deployment and management of applications within Kubernetes clusters.

2. **Single Application vs. Multiple Applications**: Docker focuses on containerizing single applications, providing isolation and portability, whereas Helm is designed to manage multiple applications within a Kubernetes cluster, enabling easy installation, upgrading, and deletion of complex sets of microservices.

3. **Configuration Management**: Docker uses Dockerfiles to define the build process and configurations for individual containers, allowing for customization at the container level. In contrast, Helm uses charts to define application models and customizable templates, providing a higher level of abstraction for managing configurations across multiple deployments.

4. **Dependency Management**: Docker does not natively support dependency management between containers, requiring users to handle dependencies manually or using external tools. On the other hand, Helm offers dependency management through chart dependencies, simplifying the installation and management of complex applications with interdependent components.

5. **Versioning and Rollbacks**: Docker enables versioning at the container image level, allowing you to pull specific versions of images for deployment. Helm, on the other hand, offers versioning at the chart level, making it easier to manage and rollback changes to application configurations and dependencies.

6. **Community and Ecosystem**: Docker has a larger community and ecosystem focused on containerization technologies, providing a wide range of tools, integrations, and support for container-based workflows. Helm, being more focused on Kubernetes application management, has a smaller but dedicated community that offers a variety of charts, plugins, and resources specifically tailored for Kubernetes deployments.

## Summary

In Summary, Docker and Helm differ in their approach to containerization, package management, configuration, dependency handling, versioning, and community ecosystems within the Kubernetes landscape.