GitOps
GitOps means treating infrastructure like code – versioned, auditable, and automatable.
For developers: familiar and efficient.
For operations: controllable and reproducible.
For companies: a step toward security, transparency, and scalability.
And for us: a natural path to responsible operations.
What is GitOps?
GitOps uses a central Git repositoryGit is a version control system – it makes code changes traceable, collaborative, and secure. Learn more → as the single source of truth for infrastructure, configuration, and deployments.
This means:
- All infrastructure changes are documented in Git
- Deployments are automated based on that repository
- The system’s current state is always visible – and versionedVersioning makes changes identifiable and traceable – in code, infrastructure, and operations. Learn more →
No more clicking – just commit.
Why does GitOps make sense?
Traditional systems often rely on manual changes – via console, UI, or editing files directly on the server. This leads to:
- Inconsistencies and errors
- Lack of traceability
- Dependence on individuals
GitOps enables:
- Transparency – every change is documented
- Traceability – who changed what, when?
- Automation – fewer human errors
- Reproducibility – infrastructure can be rebuilt, tested, validated
GitOps ≠ just “using Git”
GitOps isn’t just about storing code in Git – it’s about building processes around it:
- Infrastructure is described as code (e.g. with Terraform, Helm, Kustomize)
- Changes go through pull requests and approvals
- A controller (e.g. ArgoCD or Flux) constantly checks whether the live state matches the declared state
GitOps is the automated sync between intent and reality.
How we use GitOps at RiKuWe
We use GitOps wherever transparency, reproducibility, and security are needed:
- Kubernetes configs, CI/CD setups, and infrastructure code are all versioned in Git – from Helm charts to Terraform states
- Secrets are managed via Sealed Secrets or external backends – secure, auditable, and integrated
- Automation is powered by ArgoCD, Flux, or custom GitOps controllers and pipelines
- All changes are reviewed, documented, and fully traceable – with clear rollback paths and tests
GitOps isn’t a rigid model – it’s a flexible framework tailored to your project.
GitOps tools & platforms with RiKuWe
Infrastructure as code meets continuous delivery — fully version-controlled and automatable:
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Forge stack with Git & CI/CD
One platform for GitOps workflows — including Git, pipeline systems, and an optional registry. -
Gitea & Woodpecker
A lean, fast GitOps environment with Gitea as the Git platform and Woodpecker as a flexible CI/CD runner. -
GitLab
A complete DevOps platform with built-in GitOps support — ideal for teams with complex requirements. -
Container registry with Harbor
An OCI-compliant registry for GitOps-ready deployments — with RBAC, scanning, and pull policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between GitOps and CI/CD?
CI/CD automates the process from code commit to build and test. GitOps goes further: it uses Git as the single source of truth for infrastructure and keeps systems in sync with it.
Do I need Kubernetes for GitOps?
GitOps became popular with Kubernetes – but it’s not required. VM-based or traditional infrastructures can also benefit from GitOps principles, using tools like Terraform and CI/CD.
Which tools do you use for GitOps?
Depending on the setup, we use ArgoCD, Flux, or custom automation. The tool is secondary – what matters is that the state is versioned, reproducible, and traceable.
What if someone changes the system directly?
GitOps detects drift between desired and actual state. Ideally, unauthorized changes are reverted – or flagged for review. All changes should go through Git.
Is GitOps useful for small teams?
Absolutely. GitOps brings structure, traceability, and safety – even to small setups. It’s especially powerful with multiple environments or recurring tasks.
