What is Argo CD and how does it implement GitOps?

Argo CD is a declarative, GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes, graduated in the CNCF. It implements the pull-based GitOps model: you define Application custom resources that map a Git source to a Kubernetes destination, and Argo CD's Application Controller continuously reconciles the two.

Argo CD's main components:

• API Server: Exposes a gRPC and REST API consumed by the web UI, the argocd CLI, and CI webhooks. Handles authentication (OIDC via Dex or external providers) and authorisation (RBAC).
• Repository Server: Clones Git repositories and renders manifests using whichever tool the Application source specifies — plain YAML, Kustomize, Helm, Jsonnet, or a custom config management plugin.
• Application Controller: The reconciliation engine. Runs a control loop that fetches live Kubernetes resources, compares them to the rendered desired state from the Repository Server, and applies the diff. Emits sync status and health status.
• Redis: Caches rendered manifests and application state to reduce Git and Kubernetes API load.
• Dex (optional): An embedded OIDC identity provider for SSO against GitHub, LDAP, SAML, or other identity providers.

apiVersion: argoproj.io/v1alpha1
kind: Application
metadata:
  name: guestbook
  namespace: argocd
spec:
  project: default
  source:
    repoURL: https://github.com/org/gitops-config.git
    targetRevision: HEAD
    path: apps/guestbook
  destination:
    server: https://kubernetes.default.svc
    namespace: guestbook
  syncPolicy:
    automated:
      prune: true
      selfHeal: true
    syncOptions:
      - CreateNamespace=true

Invest now in Acorns!!! 🚀
Join Acorns and get your $5 bonus!

Acorns is a micro-investing app that automatically invests your "spare change" from daily purchases into diversified, expert-built portfolios of ETFs. It is designed for beginners, allowing you to start investing with as little as $5. The service automates saving and investing. Disclosure: I may receive a referral bonus.

Invest now!!! Get Free equity stock (US, UK only)!

Use Robinhood app to invest in stocks. It is safe and secure. Use the Referral link to claim your free stock when you sign up!.

The Robinhood app makes it easy to trade stocks, crypto and more.

Webull! Receive free stock by signing up using the link: Webull signup.