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Practical GitOps with Argo CD & Argo Rollouts

Move beyond standard Kubernetes deployments. Build automated, self-healing pipelines and execute safe Canary & Blue-Green releases with multiple strategies and automated analyses.
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113 Lectures

Comprehensive Knowledge

10 Hours

Video Duration

15+ Labs

Focus on Practice

Course Certificate

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What you are going to learn

A Complete Roadmap to Production-Grade Delivery

This course takes you from understanding the limitations of traditional push-based deployment models to operating a production-grade GitOps platform. You will start by mastering ArgoCD: installing it, connecting Git repositories, deploying applications with Helm, and enabling automated sync, self-healing, and drift detection. From there, you will tackle multi-application management with projects, sync waves, and lifecycle hooks to coordinate complex deployments safely.

By the end of this course, you will be able to implement progressive delivery strategies using Argo Rollouts, including blue-green and canary deployments with fine-grained traffic control through the Gateway API. You will configure automated promotion and rollback based on real Prometheus metrics, giving you a fully observable, automated deployment pipeline that reduces risk and removes manual intervention from your release process.

By completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain GitOps principles and contrast them with traditional push-based deployment models
  • Install and configure ArgoCD on a Kubernetes cluster
  • Deploy and manage Argo CD applications using both Helm charts and plain Kubernetes manifests
  • Enable automated sync, self-healing, and configuration drift detection
  • Connect ArgoCD to private Git repositories using HTTPS and SSH authentication
  • Organize multi-team environments using ArgoCD Projects and access controls
  • Coordinate multi-resource deployments using sync waves and lifecycle hooks
  • Create and manage Argo Rollout resources using Argo Rollouts
  • Implement blue-green deployments with instant traffic cutover and fast rollback
  • Implement canary deployments with gradual, controlled traffic shifting
  • Apply precise traffic weighting using the Kubernetes Gateway API and Traefik
  • Route traffic based on HTTP headers for targeted canary testing
  • Automate promotion and rollback decisions using AnalysisTemplates

Course Contents

01

Welcome and Introduction

We set the stage for mastering GitOps with Argo CD and Argo Rollouts. You will get a high-level overview of the curriculum, learn how to navigate the code repositories and lab exercises, and review the essential prerequisites needed to succeed in the hands-on portions of the course.
Welcome to the Course!
04:15
Making the Most of this Course
04:28
Aligning Expectations
03:12
Let's Stay Connected!
00:28
Course Resources
01:07

02

Environment Setup

Let's configure our local development environments for the hands-on labs. We cover the essential tools you need to install (such as Docker, Helm, and a local Kubernetes cluster) and provide a dedicated guide for Windows users to set up the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for a seamless Linux-compatible workflow.
What to Have Installed Locally
03:55
[Windows Users] Installing Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
03:54
[Windows Users] WSL Features
06:10

03

Introduction to GitOps

We dive deeper into the differences between the traditional "Push" deployment model and the modern GitOps "Pull" model. You will learn why GitOps is essential for solving common CI/CD challenges, such as configuration drift and stressful rollbacks, and understand the four core principles that drive tools like Argo CD to ensure continuous reconciliation and system stability.
Section Introduction
00:55
The Drawbacks of Traditional Push Models
04:20
Traditional Push Deployments and Their Limitations
6 questions
The GitOps Workflow
04:35
The GitOps Principles
03:48
GitOps Principles and the Pull Model
6 questions

04

[Argo CD] Getting Started with Argo CD

We move from theory to action by installing Argo CD into our Kubernetes cluster. You will learn how to deploy Argo CD using Helm, secure the initial configuration, and establish access through both the interactive Web UI and the powerful Command Line Interface (CLI).
Section Introduction
00:30
[Lab] Installing Argo CD - Overview
00:56
[Lab] Installing Argo CD - Solution
05:10
[Lab] Accessing Argo CD - Overview
01:06
[Lab] Accessing Argo CD - Solution
08:40

05

[Argo CD] Core Argo CD Concepts

We dive into the internal mechanics of Argo CD. You will explore the system architecture, master the fundamental Application Custom Resource Definition (CRD), and distinguish between Argo-managed resources and standard Kubernetes manifests. Through practical labs, you will deploy your first application and execute the full GitOps loop—modifying code in Git and synchronizing those changes to your cluster.
Section Introduction
01:37
The Argo CD Architecture
04:36
The Application CRD
04:16
Argo CD Applications vs. Kubernetes Manifests
03:55
Argo CD Architecture and the Application Resource
6 questions
[Lab] Deploying Your First Application - Overview
02:42
[Lab] Deploying Your First Application - Solution
10:17
Sync and Health Checks
04:13
[Lab] The Sync Process - Overview
01:46
[Lab] The Sync Process - Solution
08:26
Application Lifecycle, Sync, and Health
6 questions

06

[Argo CD] Working with Helm Charts

We explore the powerful integration between Argo CD and Helm. You will learn how Argo CD treats Helm charts as template engines and master the deployment of both private and public charts. The section concludes with a deep dive into configuring applications using custom value files, inline values, and build parameters, specifically focusing on the hierarchy of precedence.
Section Introduction
01:03
Managing Helm Charts with Argo CD
03:45
[Lab] Deploying Helm Charts - Overview
02:16
[Lab] Deploying Helm Charts - Solution
16:07
[Lab] Deploying Public Helm Charts - Overview
02:18
[Lab] Deploying Public Helm Charts - Solution
09:26
[Lab] Accessing the Kubernetes Dashboard
11:31
Overriding Chart Values
03:30
[Lab] Setting Chart Values - Overview
01:29
[Lab] Setting Chart Values - Solution
10:23
Managing Helm Charts with Argo CD
7 questions

07

[Argo CD] Advanced Sync and Automation

We unlock the full potential of GitOps by moving beyond manual interventions to fully automated workflows. You will master the configuration of the syncPolicy to enable automated synchronization, resource pruning for proper cleanup, and self-healing mechanisms that actively fight configuration drift to ensure your cluster always matches your desired state.
Section Introduction
01:02
Automation, Prunning, and Self-Healing
04:38
[Lab] Automation and Pruning - Overview
01:40
[Lab] Automation and Pruning - Solution
07:52
Automated Sync and Pruning
7 questions
[Lab] Self-Healing Aplications - Overview
01:07
[Lab] Self-Healing Aplications - Solution
04:54
Self-Healing and Drift Correction
7 questions

08

[Argo CD] Private Repositories

Real-world projects rarely live in public repositories. This section covers the essential security configurations needed to connect Argo CD to private Git repositories using both HTTPS (Personal Access Tokens) and SSH (Deploy Keys). You will learn how to configure authentication through the Argo CD UI and how to manage credentials declaratively using Kubernetes Secrets.
Section Introduction
01:07
Connecting to Private Repositories
04:39
Fundamentals of Private Repository Access
7 questions
[Lab] HTTPS Access - Overview
01:24
[Lab] HTTPS Access - Creating a Private Repo
04:43
[Lab] HTTPS Access - Connecting via the UI
07:13
[Lab] HTTPS Access - Connecting via the CLI
07:01
[Lab] SSH Access - Overview
02:24
[Lab] SSH Access - Connecting via the UI
06:56
[Lab] SSH Access - Connecting via the CLI
03:45
Cluster Cleanup
02:14
Implementing HTTPS and SSH Authentication
7 questions

09

[Argo CD] Orchestrating Applications

We move from deploying simple applications to orchestrating complex, enterprise-grade release workflows. You will master multi-tenancy using Argo CD Projects (AppProject), inject custom logic into the deployment lifecycle using Hooks, and precisely control the order of resource creation using Sync Waves.
Section Introduction
01:09
Argo CD Projects
04:46
[Lab] Projects - Overview
01:07
[Lab] Projects - Solution
11:30
Projects and Multi-Tenancy
6 questions
Propagation Policies
03:49
Sync Phases & Hooks
04:57
[Lab] Sync Phases & Hooks - Overview
02:14
[Lab] Sync Phases & Hooks - Solution
09:48
Which Hooks Actually Run?
04:55
Sync Waves
04:04
[Lab] Sync Waves - Overview
02:23
[Lab] Sync Waves - Solution
10:03
Advanced Orchestration: Hooks and Waves
6 questions

10

[Argo Rollouts] Introduction to Argo Rollouts

We start our journey with Argo Rollouts, a progressive delivery controller for Kubernetes. You will learn why standard Kubernetes Deployments are often insufficient for production safety and proceed to install the Argo Rollouts controller, the CLI plugin, and the visual dashboard to prepare your cluster for advanced deployment strategies.
Section Introduction
00:52
Limitations of Kubernetes Deployments
03:41
Limitations of Deployments and Argo Rollouts Concepts
5 questions
[Lab] Installing Argo Rollouts - Overview
03:51
[Lab] Installing Argo Rollouts - Solution
05:10
[Lab] Accessing the Argo Rollouts Dashboard
04:10

11

[Argo Rollouts] Your First Rollout

This will be your first practical implementation of Argo Rollouts. You will learn how to seamlessly convert a standard Kubernetes Deployment into a Rollout, configure a basic Canary strategy with traffic shifting, and manage the release lifecycle by manually promoting versions using both the Web UI and the CLI.
Section Introduction
00:49
The Rollout CRD
02:28
[Lab] Your First Rollout - Overview
03:28
[Lab] Your First Rollout - Deploying Version 1
08:29
[Lab] Your First Rollout - Promoting New Revisions
07:08
[Lab] Your First Rollout - The CLI Dashboard
06:08
Fundamentals of Argo Rollouts and Canary Deployments
7 questions

12

[Argo Rollouts] Core Rollout Strategies

We dive deep into the two primary Progressive Delivery strategies supported by Argo Rollouts. You will master the "Blue-Green" strategy for instantaneous, atomic switchovers using parallel environments, and the "Canary" strategy for gradual, low-risk releases. Through hands-on labs, you will configure advanced networking setups, including dedicated preview services and precise traffic weighting.
Section Introduction
00:48
Blue-Green Deployments
04:56
[Lab] Blue-Green Deployments - Overview
03:28
[Lab] Blue-Green Deployments - Deploying Version 1
11:25
[Lab] Blue-Green Deployments - Rolling Out an Update
07:17
Blue-Green Deployments in Argo Rollouts
7 questions
Canary Deployments
03:38
[Lab] Canary Deployments - Overview
04:01
[Lab] Canary Deployments - Deploying Version 1
09:29
[Lab] Canary Deployments - Rolling Out an Update
06:55
Canary Deployments and Traffic Management
5 questions

13

[Argo Rollouts] Advanced Traffic Management

We bring your deployment strategy even further by integrating Argo Rollouts with the Kubernetes Gateway API. You will move beyond the limitations of simple replica counting to achieve precise traffic control. You will install Traefik as an ingress controller, configure the Argo Rollouts Gateway Plugin, and implement advanced patterns including traffic-weighted splitting and deterministic header-based routing for QA teams.
Section Introduction
01:40
Limitations of Replica-Weighted Canary Deployments
02:27
[Lab] Install Traefik
11:14
[Lab] Deploy Demo Traefik Application
06:37
[Lab] Install Argo Rollouts Gateway API Plugin
05:52
Traffic-Weighted Releases
02:58
[Lab] Traffic-Weighted Releases - Overview
06:26
[Lab] Traffic-Weighted Releases - Deploying Version 1
10:24
[Lab] Traffic-Weighted Releases - Triggering an Update
07:58
Traffic-Weighted Canary Deployments
7 questions
Header-Based Routing
04:16
[Lab] Header-Based Routing - Overview
02:18
[Lab] Header-Based Routing - Solution
09:03
Header-Based Routing and Advanced Steps
7 questions

14

[Argo Rollouts] Automated Analysis and Promotion

We advance to transform your deployment pipeline from manual to fully autonomous. You will integrate Prometheus to collect real-time application metrics and define Argo Rollouts "Analysis Templates" to evaluate success. Through practical labs you will implement self-healing Canary deployments that automatically rollback upon error and Blue-Green deployments that pre-validate new versions before switching live traffic.
Section Introduction
01:24
Prometheus Architecture
07:06
[Lab] Installing Prometheus - Overview
01:44
[Lab] Installing Prometheus - Solution
09:07
Automated Analysis and Promotion
05:05
[Lab] Automated Analysis in Canary Deployments - Overview
09:24
[Lab] Automated Analysis in Canary Deployments - Deploy Version 1
08:17
[Lab] Automated Analysis in Canary Deployments - Create the Analysis Template
13:18
[Lab] Automated Analysis in Canary Deployments - Deploy Buggy Version
12:28
Analysis Templates and Automated Promotion
7 questions
[Lab] Automated Analysis in Canary Deployments - Run Analyses in the Background
09:22
[Lab] Cluster Cleanup
01:09
[Lab] Automated Analysis in Blue-Green Deployments - Overview
02:29
[Lab] Automated Analysis in Blue-Green Deployments - Solution
13:49
[Lab] Cluster Cleanup
00:43
Advanced Analysis Patterns (Background & Blue-Green)
7 questions

15

Conclusion

Congratulations! We celebrate your journey from learning the basics to mastering advanced GitOps and Progressive Delivery techniques. We wrap up the course by reviewing your achievements and providing guidance on how to apply these new skills to your career and future projects.
Congratulations!
00:58
Certificate of Completion

Frequently asked questions

Who is this course designed for?

This course is built for professionals and enthusiasts who want to master the industry standard for Continuous Delivery. It is specifically designed for:
  • DevOps Engineers & SREs: Who want to transition from legacy pipelines to GitOps and modernize their CD workflows.
  • Platform Engineers: Who need to build secure, multi-tenant deployment platforms that empower development teams.
  • Kubernetes Developers: Who want to move beyond basic rolling updates and implement safer release strategies like Canary and Blue-Green.
  • Software Developers: Who want to take ownership of their code's lifecycle and automate deployment workflows.
  • Junior Engineers & Students: Who aim to fast-track their career by mastering high-demand tools used by top tech companies.

What prior knowledge do I need before taking this course?

To get the most out of this training, you should have a solid understanding of Docker, Kubernetes, and Helm concepts. You should be comfortable using the command line interface (CLI) and performing basic Git operations (commit, push, pull). If you can navigate a Kubernetes cluster and understand what a Pod and Service are, you are ready to start.

What software or hardware do I need for the hands-on labs?

You will need a computer capable of running a local Kubernetes cluster. We use Minikube for all labs to ensure you can replicate the production-grade scenarios without incurring cloud costs. You will also need VS Code (or your preferred IDE), kubectl, and Helm installed.

What is the difference between Argo CD and Argo Rollouts?

Argo CD is a Continuous Delivery tool that ensures your cluster matches the state defined in Git ("Single Source of Truth"). Argo Rollouts is a Progressive Delivery controller that replaces the standard Kubernetes Deployment object to enable advanced strategies like Blue-Green and Canary releases. This course teaches you how to combine both to build a complete, automated GitOps pipeline.

Does this course cover Helm integration?

Yes. We don't just deploy plain manifests. You will learn how Argo CD treats Helm as a template engine, how to manage public and private Helm charts, and how to effectively override values using the hierarchy of precedence (values files vs. parameters).

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