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Advanced Topic 39 of 50 DevOps & Tooling

GitOps

Using Git as the source of truth for deployments.

How it works

GitOps uses a Git repository as the single source of truth for the desired state of infrastructure and applications. Changes are made through pull requests, and an agent such as Argo CD or Flux running in the cluster continuously compares the live state with the repository and reconciles any difference, a pull-based model that avoids giving CI direct cluster credentials. Git history provides an audit trail, review and instant rollback with git revert, and drift is detected and corrected automatically. Environments are usually separate directories or branches, and image updates can be automated.

Where it is used

Platform teams use it for Kubernetes deployments to get consistent, reviewable and recoverable delivery.

Common pitfall

Secrets cannot sit in plain text in the repository, manual kubectl changes get overwritten and huge monolithic repositories slow down reconciliation. Use sealed or external secrets, forbid manual edits and separate application code from configuration.

Where it fits in the course

GitOps is topic 39 of 50 in DevOps & Tooling, rated Advanced. It follows Secrets Management. The next topic is Feature Flags.

Practice and explore

How to study this topic

  1. Read the explanation above and restate the definition in your own words.
  2. Open the interactive lesson and answer its mini quiz.
  3. Read the common pitfall, then write a short example that avoids it.
  4. Check your understanding in the DevOps & Tooling quiz, and revisit the topic if you miss a question.

Frequently asked questions

What is GitOps?
Using Git as the source of truth for deployments. It belongs to DevOps & Tooling and is an advanced-level topic.
Where do people use GitOps?
Platform teams use it for Kubernetes deployments to get consistent, reviewable and recoverable delivery.
What is the most common mistake with GitOps?
Secrets cannot sit in plain text in the repository, manual kubectl changes get overwritten and huge monolithic repositories slow down reconciliation.
What should I learn before this topic?
Start with Secrets Management, the topic just before it in DevOps & Tooling.
How can I practice it?
Answer the mini quiz in the interactive lesson, then take the DevOps & Tooling quiz.
Is GitOps hard to learn?
It is an Advanced topic. Expect to read the explanation more than once and to connect it with earlier topics. Working through a small example by hand helps most.
How long does it take to learn GitOps?
Most learners can read the explanation and finish the interactive lesson in under an hour. Fluency comes from applying the idea, so plan a few short practice sessions with the quiz.
Which topics are related to GitOps?
Secrets Management, Feature Flags, Cost Optimization are closely connected. The full list is in the related topics section of this page.
What should I study after GitOps?
Continue with Feature Flags, the next topic in DevOps & Tooling.

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