Name: Argo CD Master Course : Expert Techniques in GitOps & DevOps
Rating: 3.9 (370 reviews)

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Created byMuthukumar Subramanian

Last updated 3/2025

English

What you'll learn

Fundamentals of ArgoCD
Installation and Configuration of ArgoCD
ArgoCD Application Deployment and Management
Understanding GitOps Principles used in ArgoCD
Advanced Features of ArgoCD
Security and Access Management in ArgoCD
Troubleshooting and Best Practices in ArgoCD
Real-World Scenarios and Case Studies in ArgoCD

Course content

9 sections • 80 lectures • 7h 20m total length

ArgoCD Course Introduction2:30
ArgoCD and GitOps Introduction5:06
Git Source code and Commands0:06
https://github.com/SMACAcademy/ArgoCD-Complete-Master-Course
https://github.com/SMACAcademy/argocd-example-apps

Please Note ::

Splitting the repositories into two distinct ones serves a specific purpose aligned with the concept of Argo CD. Here's the reasoning:
Example Applications Repo (SMACAcademy/argocd-example-apps): This repository contains example applications that we want to deploy and manage using Argo CD. It represents the actual applications that a real-world Argo CD setup would handle.
Argo CD Config Repo (SMACAcademy/ArgoCD-Complete-Master-Course): This repository focuses on the Argo CD configuration and manifests that are used to deploy and manage the applications in the other repo.
The split helps simulate a realistic workflow, where multiple repositories are maintained to manage different applications using Argo CD. This approach reflects the true essence of GitOps, where Argo CD monitors one repository (config repo) and uses it to deploy or sync the desired state of applications located in other repositories.
While switching between repos might feel a bit inconvenient initially, it’s essential for illustrating how Argo CD works in managing multiple repositories or applications in a production-like environment.
GitOps WorkFlow6:12
Discusses the pull-based model used by Argo CD in the GitOps workflow.
Highlights the availability of Argo CD within the Kubernetes cluster for GitOps operations.
Core Features of ArgoCD5:48
Explores the key features of Argo CD, especially its adherence to GitOps principles.
Emphasizes the comprehensive interaction capabilities with Argo CD for application management.
ArgoCD Key Differentiators4:06
Explains the unique features and differentiators of Argo CD.
Discusses various interaction methods with Argo CD, including CLI and visual monitoring.
Highlights the capability of Argo CD to manage a fleet of applications effectively.
ArgoCD Architecture and Components6:35
Covers the different components of Argo CD's architecture.
Discusses how to trigger events and pull code in Argo CD.
Explores custom hooks and interfaces provided by Argo CD for user interaction.
Details the interaction between the Argo CD platform and its application controller.
ArgoCD Introduction Quiz

ArgoCD PreRequisites and Requirements4:12
Discusses the prerequisites and requirements for working with Argo CD.
Highlights the importance of having necessary credentials, like passwords or tokens, ready for the installation and demos of Argo CD.
AWS EC2 Setup and Configuration5:38
Discusses setting up an AWS EC2 instance for the installation and demonstration of Argo CD.
Highlights the use of the default 'ec2-user' ID for system access and its superuser capabilities.
Installing Minikube, Docker and Kubectl6:45
Covers the process of setting up Minikube on AWS, including creating new users and groups.
Discusses adding users to the Docker group and executing Kubernetes commands.
Installing ArgoCD on Minikube2:36
Details the process of installing Argo CD, including namespace creation and applying necessary configurations.
Discusses obtaining the stable version file of Argo CD and the setup within the specified namespace.
Highlights interaction with the Argo CD server using the web interface.
Configuring ArgoCD CLI2:46
Focuses on the installation process of Argo CD, particularly through the CLI.
Discusses checking the health and running status of Argo CD components.
Covers obtaining the administrator password for initial login to Argo CD.
Understand Port Forward - Local Host7:48
Describes the setup of Argo CD and the services within its namespace.
Focuses on accessing the Argo CD server through port forwarding to localhost.
Guides on logging in as admin and generating the initial password for Argo CD access.
Understand port forward - All Host4:28
Demonstrates the process of port forwarding to access the Argo CD server.
Covers logging in with the admin username and password.
Discusses generating and retrieving the initial password for Argo CD server access.
Understand SSH Tunnel - Connect ArgoCD3:31
Demonstrates the use of SSH tunnels for accessing Argo CD.
Discusses the process of establishing SSH tunnels and verifying user access.
ArgoCD Node port configuration7:32
Describes the setup of the Argo CD server within the Argo CD namespace using NodePort.
Explains the process of accessing the Argo CD CLI and logging in as an admin.
Revert NodePort Configuration2:26
Describes the process of changing the Argo CD server from a NodePort to a ClusterIP configuration.
Understand Various ports and IP Summary4:18
Accessing the ArgoCD Web UI3:45
Explains the process of logging into Argo CD.
Discusses different methods of accessing the Argo CD server, including WebUI.
Covers the installation of Argo CD and generating the initial admin password.
Accessing ArgoCD CLI2:51
Explains interacting with the Argo CD server using the WebUI and CLI after installation.
Discusses port forwarding and access configurations to the Argo CD server.
Highlights the installation and use of the Argo CD command line interface.
Setting up a Sample Application - Web UI7:13
Explores creating applications in Argo CD through the Web User Interface (WebUI).
Discusses selecting the default cluster for deploying applications.
Emphasizes the ease of application deployment within the same cluster as Argo CD.
Setting up a Sample Application - CLI4:43
Focuses on the initial setup and login process for Argo CD using the command line interface (CLI).
Discusses obtaining the initial password and logging in as an admin.
Highlights the default server configuration within Argo CD.
Setting Up the Environment

Understanding Applications in ArgoCD5:19
Introduces the concept of applications in Argo CD, emphasizing their central role.
Covers the setup process of Argo CD and accessing it through both CLI and WebUI.
Discusses deploying applications into Argo CD and the complete lifecycle of an application within it.
ArgoCD Application Specifications4:25
Covers the methods of defining application specifications in Argo CD, either directly through a YAML file or indirectly using the user interface.
Highlights the flexibility in defining specifications in Argo CD.
Using the Repo with Samples7:59
Describes the creation and use of a Git repository named "Argo CD Complete Master Course" within the context of SMAC Academy.
Elaborates on the process of integrating this repository with Argo CD.
Creating Applications in ArgoCD10:58
Explores creating applications in Argo CD through the Web User Interface (WebUI).
Discusses selecting the default cluster for deploying applications.
Emphasizes the ease of application deployment within the same cluster as Argo CD.
Application Self-Heal Option and Demo4:28
Explores the self-healing feature in Argo CD, which automatically corrects the state of applications.
Discusses the management of namespaces by Argo CD applications.
Application Prune Option and Demo8:10
Demonstrates the pruning feature in Argo CD with a specific application.
Highlights the process of changing passwords and logging in to Argo CD.
Application Sync Options - Dryrun-Apply-Force7:08
Discusses the functionality of the dry run feature in Argo CD.
Explains the application sync process with a focus on the 'force apply' option.
Addresses the scenario of preventing Argo CD from deleting resources that are not part of the current configuration.
Application Prune Propagation Policy3:14
Application Refresh and Hard Refresh3:40
Compares two methods of refreshing applications in Argo CD: standard refresh and hard refresh.
Explains how these methods impact the state of an application defined within Argo CD.
Application Sync Options4:55
Discusses various synchronization options available in the Argo CD application sync process.
Highlights strategies for optimizing sync operations and reducing the load on the Argo CD server.
Application Sync Skip Schema Validation2:43
Application Sync Respect Ignore Differences6:26
Discusses the feature in Argo CD to ignore certain differences during synchronization.
Focuses on scenarios where specific value changes are intentionally excluded from the sync process.
Application Sync Replace4:32
Application Sync Retry6:43
Focuses on the 'retry sync' option in Argo CD, explaining its significance and application.
Application Dashboard Overview4:57
Application compare differences6:11
Briefly touches on the 'App Diff' feature of Argo CD applications, highlighting its capabilities.
Rollback and History Management5:59
Discusses the rollback feature of applications within Argo CD, highlighting its history and functionality.
Managing Application Lifecycle5:34
Focuses on managing the lifecycle of an application in Argo CD.
Provides insights into obtaining the initial admin password and logging in.
Offers a revision on application management using Argo CD.
Configuring Application Parameters10:58
Explores the flexibility offered by Argo CD in terms of application parameters.
Discusses the control given to users based on environmental variables.
Addresses managing Helm applications within Argo CD.
Application Readiness and Liveness6:31
Discusses the readiness and liveness status of applications in Argo CD.
Includes a practical demonstration with a specific Argo CD application.
Highlights the use of Kubernetes commands within the context of Argo CD.
ArgoCD Practice Test 1

Introduction to Repositories in ArgoCD3:17
This lecture covers the configuration of repositories within Argo CD, emphasizing the importance of obtaining the exact version required for deployments.
It also discusses setting up credentials such as SSH keys, tokens, and user ID/password combinations for repository access within Argo CD
Public and Private Repository10:29
The focus of this lecture is on understanding repository management within Argo CD.
It addresses the use of various credentials like user ID, password, certificates, and authentication tokens for accessing both private and public repositories.
The lecture includes a practical example of managing a public repository, highlighting the differences in credential requirements compared to private repositories.
Repository Credentials using SSH Keys6:08
Explains how to connect repositories in Argo CD using SSH keys.
Discusses authentication from Argo CD, including user settings and passphrase management.
Includes a practical example of creating an Argo CD application with SSH key authentication.
Repository Credential Template3:22
The lecture delves into the management of repository credentials from a single user account perspective.
It examines scenarios involving specific URLs or users, and how Argo CD utilizes credentials associated with these elements.
A focus is placed on the practical application of user ID credentials in managing repository access within Argo CD.
Best Practices - Repository Organization4:42
Repositories

Overview of Projects in ArgoCD2:34
Provides an overview of the features, functionalities, and use cases of projects in Argo CD.
Creating and Configuring ArgoCD Projects5:08
This session explores project management in Argo CD, particularly the settings related to project configurations and restrictions.
It discusses setting limitations on user actions within projects, such as creating secrets or enforcing specific GPG keys for user or team authentication.
The lecture underscores the importance of enforcing rules and restrictions for different users in Argo CD projects.
Project Source Configuration5:08
Project Destination Configuration3:07
Highlights the configuration aspects at the Argo CD level, particularly focusing on destination restrictions in projects.
Cluster and Namespace Scope Differences2:46
Cluster Scoped List Configuration5:40
Namespace Scoped List Configuration4:24
Addresses how Argo CD can control resource allocations within specific namespaces.
Discusses setting allow and deny rules for resource management in projects.
Sync Window Introduction3:23
Introduces the concept of sync windows in Argo CD projects.
Highlights the importance of timing the sync period to minimize impact on users.
Setup Sync Window in Project8:04
Project Roles4:53
Explores managing permissions for users and groups within Argo CD.
Discusses how different users can assume various roles and the impact of these roles on access control.
Emphasizes the implementation of granular role-based access control for users in Argo CD.
Managing Project Quotas and Limits7:20
Explores Argo CD's approach to managing project quotas.
Highlights the process of verifying and restricting user actions related to application creation in different namespaces.
Project Specification2:42
Covers the process of creating projects in Argo CD with specific namespace requirements.
Emphasizes the need for the namespace to be "Argo CD" for project creation.
Suggests getting comfortable with Argo CD features and options before creating projects.
Declarative Setup for Projects using yaml3:36
Covers the management of Argo CD projects using YAML files.
Explains the nuances of executing Kubernetes commands in the context of Argo CD.
Project Finalizers5:58
Discusses the concept of finalizers in Argo CD projects to prevent accidental deletions.
Emphasizes their role in safeguarding projects with linked applications.
ArgoCD Projects

Helm Introduction4:49
Introduces Helm and its integration with Argo CD.
Describes Helm as a powerful package manager for Kubernetes applications.
Discusses how Helm packages and manages applications, especially in the context of Argo CD.
Helm Install and Setup4:10
Addresses the installation and utilization of Helm within the context of Argo CD.
Explores the ease of using Helm for deploying packages and its integration with Argo CD.
Discusses the availability of popular tools and utilities as Helm charts.
Helm Quick Start Demo5:28
Provides an overview of Helm's role in managing applications within Argo CD.
Explains the process of uploading to Helm repositories and managing different versions.
Highlights the advantages and features of using Helm charts in Argo CD.
Best Practices for Managing Helm Chart Values3:40
Discusses best practices for managing Helm chart values within Argo CD.
Covers managing sensitive information like usernames and passwords.
Explores Helm's built-in functions and pipelines for secure and efficient management.
Helm Chart Demo - Grafana10:47
Focuses on creating an Argo CD application using Helm with a Grafana example.
Emphasizes configurations like administrator username and password.
Demonstrates overriding default passwords and setting up administrator access.
Rollback and Rollout Using Helm4:56
Focuses on using Helm in Argo CD for application management.
Describes creating applications with Helm and their integration with Argo CD.
Details the process of managing version rollbacks and rollouts using Helm within Argo CD.
ArgoCD Helm Multi Environment Concept3:08
Covers environment deployment using Argo CD and Helm.
Discusses managing multiple environment deployments effectively with Argo CD.
The creation process of Argo CD applications is addressed.
Utilizing applications to create specific configurations in Argo CD.

GPG Keys Introduction and Keys Management10:00
Introduces GPG keys and their use in securing information transmission in Argo CD.
Explains how Argo CD utilizes GPG keys to sign application manifests for enhanced security.
Adding Gnu Public key to ArgoCD2:31
Git Verified Commit with VSCode12:14
Explains setting the user signing key in Git for commit verification.
Discusses the importance of user identity verification in the commit signing process.
Details the configuration of user IDs for commit signing in Git.
Sync based on Verfied Commit9:41
Explains the verification of commits and projects in Argo CD using GPG keys.
Highlights the need for specific user commitments in project security.
Application Reconciliation Timeout Configuration7:38
Explains how the Autosync functionality operates within Argo CD.
The Repo server within Argo CD plays a significant role in this process.
Highlights making changes to Argo CD settings.
Discusses setting environmental variables specifically for the Argo CD Repo server
Add new user or account6:33
Explains the process of adding new users or accounts to Argo CD.
Discusses the different capabilities and permissions that can be assigned to new users.
Emphasizes the importance of security, mentioning the generation of API keys for user login.
Update admin password3:41
Guides on updating the password using the command line interface or web interface.
Discusses the initial password generation process.
Emphasizes the importance of regularly updating the password for security.

Vultr Cloud setup6:48
Details on user data including client, certificate, and key information.
Emphasizes the importance of understanding cluster details, context, and user details for effective management in Argo CD.
ArgoCD in Vultr cloud9:55
Guides on using the initial admin password in Argo CD for secure access.
Emphasizes the importance of securely managing the initial password.
Discusses the process of logging in with the username 'admin' and the corresponding password.
Highlights successful login verification and access to Argo CD.
Add Vultr Cloud to ArgoCD10:06
Describes the installation and management of Argo CD in a VM within Vultr Cloud.
Discusses integrating and managing clusters in Argo CD, including context and user details.

Requirements

Basic Understanding of Kubernetes and Containerization
Basic Understanding with Git and Version Control and GitOps Practices
Basic Linux/Unix Command Line Skills
Basic YAML syntax
Willingness to Learn and Experiment with Kubernetes

Description

Dive deep into the ArgoCD world and learn the setup, deployment of applications, managing, and scaling applications, the heart of GitOps Continuous Delivery. This course is designed to learn the basic principles of ArgoCD to master its advanced features. You will be enabled to apply high-performance, declarative, and automated deployment strategies to Kubernetes environments using ArgoCD

Following are the major topics covered

ArgoCD Basics: Understand the basic concepts of ArgoCD, including its architecture, components, and how it fits into the Kubernetes and CI-CD ecosystem.

Declaration configuration: Learn to configure ArgoCD in a Kubernetes cluster (Minikube and real distributed cluster), ensuring that a declaration approach aligns with GitOps principles.

Application Deployment and Management: Following the processes of deploying applications using UI and CLI, managing multi-environment configurations, and running a simple application lifecycle using ArgoCD.

GitOps Workspace: Dive into the GitOps methodology to understand how it transforms deployment processes by putting Git at the center of the business process.

Advanced ArgoCD Features: Explore advanced topics such as automatic synchronization settings, disaster recovery, rollback settings, and custom plugin integration.

Security and Best Practices: Gain insight into securing your ArgoCD system, managing access, and following best practices for optimal performance and reliability.

The following sections are covered

1) GitOps Introduction

2) ArgoCD Introduction

3) Setting up the environment (Both Development and Production grade environments)

4) Application Management and Configuration

5) Helm Application management

6) Repositories

7) ArgoCD Administration

8) ArgoCD Projects

9) ArgoCD Configuration Management

10) Advanced Features and Strategies

Who this course is for:

Individuals who are already working in the DevOps field and want to deepen their expertise in Kubernetes-based CI/CD pipelines using ArgoCD.
Those who manage Kubernetes clusters and are looking to adopt or improve their continuous delivery workflows with ArgoCD.
Developers working in teams that use Kubernetes, who want to understand how to deploy and manage applications more efficiently using ArgoCD and GitOps principles.
Professionals working with cloud platforms that support Kubernetes (like AWS, Azure, GCP) and who want to leverage ArgoCD for better cloud-native application management.
Managers and team leaders who are overseeing DevOps or software development teams and need to understand how ArgoCD can improve their CI/CD processes and overall operational efficiency.
Sysadmins who are transitioning into DevOps roles and need to get up to speed with the latest tools and practices in the industry, particularly in Kubernetes-centric environments.

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

ArgoCD Introduction7 lectures • 30min

Setting Up the Environment15 lectures • 1hr 11min

Manage Applications20 lectures • 2hr 1min

Repositories5 lectures • 28min

ArgoCD Projects14 lectures • 1hr 5min

Helm Applications7 lectures • 37min

ArgoCD Security and Administration7 lectures • 52min

Production Grade Setup3 lectures • 27min

Argo Workflow Introduction2 lectures • 10min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: