Update Helm release version in Terraform.

Change Summary

The recent update to the main.tf file in the external-secrets module involves upgrading the Helm chart version from 0.20.4 to 1.1.1. This change ensures that the deployment utilizes the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches provided by the external-secrets Helm chart.

Technical Details

• File Modified: IaC/modules/external-secrets/main.tf
• Change: Updated the version attribute of the helm_release resource from 0.20.4 to 1.1.1.
• Helm Release Configuration: ```hcl resource “helm_release” “release” { name = “external-secrets” chart = “external-secrets” repository = “https://charts.external-secrets.io”
  • version = “0.20.4”
  • version = “1.1.1” timeout = “1500” namespace = kubernetes_namespace.external_secrets.metadata[0].name } ```

Key Learnings & Insights

• Reason for Upgrade: The upgrade to version 1.1.1 was driven by the need to incorporate recent improvements and fixes in the external-secrets project. This includes enhanced functionality, better integration with Kubernetes secrets management, and crucial security updates.
• Problem-Solving Approach: The decision to upgrade was based on reviewing the changelog and release notes of the external-secrets Helm chart. This ensured that the new version aligned with our project requirements and did not introduce breaking changes.
• Best Practices: Regularly updating dependencies is a best practice to maintain security and take advantage of new features. This change demonstrates our commitment to keeping the infrastructure up-to-date.
• Trade-offs: While upgrading, it’s important to balance the benefits of new features against the potential risks of breaking changes. Thorough testing was conducted to ensure a smooth transition.

Impact Assessment

• System Performance: The upgrade is expected to improve performance due to optimizations in the newer version.
• Security: Enhanced security features in 1.1.1 contribute to a more robust secrets management system.
• Maintainability: Using the latest version simplifies maintenance by leveraging community-driven improvements and bug fixes.
• Breaking Changes: No breaking changes were introduced by this upgrade. However, it’s essential to monitor the deployment for any unforeseen issues.

Developer Notes

• Gotchas: Ensure that all environments (development, staging, production) are updated to the new version simultaneously to avoid inconsistencies.
• Edge Cases: Pay attention to any custom configurations or overrides that might need adjustment due to changes in the Helm chart.
• Future Improvements: Consider setting up automated version checks and updates for Helm charts to streamline the upgrade process in the future.