Update Helm release version in Terraform.

Change Summary

This change updates the Helm chart version of the external-secrets module from 0.20.4 to 1.1.0. This update is crucial for incorporating the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches provided by the External Secrets project.

Technical Details

• File Modified: IaC/modules/external-secrets/main.tf
• Change Made: Updated the version attribute of the helm_release resource from 0.20.4 to 1.1.0.

-  version    = "0.20.4"
+  version    = "1.1.0"

Key Learnings & Insights

• Reasoning Behind the Change: The External Secrets project frequently releases updates to enhance functionality, fix bugs, and address security vulnerabilities. Staying current with these updates ensures that the system benefits from the latest improvements and maintains a secure environment.
• Problem-Solving Approach: Regularly monitoring the External Secrets release notes and changelogs helps identify when updates are available. This proactive approach ensures that the system remains up-to-date with minimal disruption.
• Best Practices:
  • Version Pinning: While updating to the latest version is beneficial, it’s essential to test changes in a staging environment before deploying to production to avoid unexpected issues.
  • Change Management: Documenting changes and their impacts helps maintain clarity and accountability within the development team.

Impact Assessment

• Performance: The new version may include performance enhancements that improve the efficiency of secret management operations.
• Security: Updated versions often contain critical security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
• Maintainability: Staying up-to-date with the latest versions simplifies future updates and ensures compatibility with other dependencies.
• Breaking Changes: It’s important to review the release notes for any breaking changes introduced in version 1.1.0 to ensure a smooth transition.

Developer Notes

• Gotchas:
  • Verify that the new version is compatible with the current Kubernetes environment and other dependencies.
  • Check for any deprecated features or configuration changes that may require adjustments in the Helm values or Terraform configuration.
• Future Improvements:
  • Consider implementing automated version updates or canary releases to streamline the update process.
  • Regularly review and update the Helm chart versions as part of the maintenance routine to ensure the system remains secure and performant.