# Glasskube — Next-Generation Package Manager for Kubernetes

> A modern Kubernetes package manager with a GUI and CLI that makes installing and managing cluster add-ons simple. Glasskube packages are dependency-aware, GitOps-ready, and receive automatic updates from a central repository.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# Glasskube — Next-Generation Package Manager for Kubernetes

## Quick Use
```bash
# Install Glasskube CLI
brew install glasskube/tap/glasskube
# Bootstrap the package manager in your cluster
glasskube bootstrap
# Install a package
glasskube install cert-manager
# Open the web UI
glasskube serve
```

## Introduction
Glasskube reimagines how teams install and manage Kubernetes infrastructure packages. Instead of wrestling with Helm values, kustomize overlays, and version compatibility, Glasskube provides a curated package repository with dependency resolution, automatic updates, and a web-based dashboard — bringing the developer experience of apt or brew to Kubernetes.

## What Glasskube Does
- Installs Kubernetes packages (cert-manager, ingress-nginx, Prometheus, etc.) with a single command
- Resolves package dependencies automatically, installing prerequisites in correct order
- Provides a web UI for browsing, installing, configuring, and updating packages visually
- Supports GitOps workflows by generating declarative package manifests for Flux or Argo CD
- Delivers automatic update notifications and one-click upgrades for installed packages

## Architecture Overview
Glasskube runs as a Kubernetes operator that watches PackageInfo and Package custom resources. The CLI and web UI communicate with the operator via the Kubernetes API. A central public package repository hosts package manifests defining Helm charts, dependencies, and configuration schemas. The operator reconciles desired state, handling installs, upgrades, and dependency resolution.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Bootstrap with glasskube bootstrap which installs the operator and CRDs into your cluster
- Access the web UI via glasskube serve which proxies through the Kubernetes API
- Configure packages through the UI or by editing Package custom resources directly
- Create private package repositories for internal packages using the repository specification
- Integrate with GitOps by exporting package manifests and committing them to your repo

## Key Features
- Dependency resolution prevents broken installations from missing prerequisites
- Web UI provides a visual catalog with configuration forms generated from package schemas
- Package repository model enables versioned, tested combinations of infrastructure tools
- GitOps-native design produces declarative CRDs compatible with Flux and Argo CD
- Automatic update detection with controlled rollout policies per package

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Helm** — powerful but requires manual dependency management and values authoring; Glasskube automates this
- **Kustomize** — overlay-based customization; no dependency resolution or update management
- **Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM)** — operator-focused with complex APIs; Glasskube covers all package types simply
- **Artifact Hub** — discovery portal only; Glasskube is a full package manager with install and lifecycle
- **Carvel (kapp-controller)** — flexible but low-level; Glasskube offers higher-level UX with a GUI

## FAQ
**Q: Does Glasskube replace Helm?**
A: Not entirely. Glasskube uses Helm under the hood for some packages but adds dependency management, a UI, and automatic updates on top.

**Q: Can I create custom packages?**
A: Yes. Define a PackageManifest with your Helm chart reference, dependencies, and configuration schema, then host it in a private repository.

**Q: Is the web UI required?**
A: No. The CLI provides full functionality. The web UI is optional for teams preferring visual management.

**Q: How does GitOps integration work?**
A: Glasskube generates Package CRDs that you commit to Git. Flux or Argo CD syncs them, and the Glasskube operator reconciles the actual state.

## Sources
- https://github.com/glasskube/glasskube
- https://glasskube.dev

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/c078e238-39d2-11f1-9bc6-00163e2b0d79
Author: Script Depot