---
name: "helm-dry-run-helm-diff"
description: "Preview exact manifest changes and drift before applying Helm chart upgrades to production."
metadata:
  author: "databus23"
  version: "1.0.0"
  runtime_compatibility:
    - "codex"
    - "claude-code"
    - "cursor"
    - "windsurf"
triggers:
  - "run helm diff upgrade"
  - "preview helm changes dry-run"
  - "detect helm configuration drift"
permissions:
  fs_read: true
  fs_write: "workspace"
  shell_exec: false
  net_access: false
---

# helm-diff Plugin & Safe Upgrade Previews

Uses helm-diff plugin: comparing installed release state against pending chart changes, identifying accidental container tag updates, secret modifications, and preventing unintentional service re-creations.

## When to Invoke
Invoke this skill whenever you need to:
- run helm diff upgrade
- preview helm changes dry-run
- detect helm configuration drift

## Execution SOP & Rules
1. Install plugin: helm plugin install https://github.com/databus23/helm-diff.
2. Preview diff: helm diff upgrade my-release ./mychart -f values.yaml --detailed-exitcode.
3. Inspect highlighted line diffs (+ / -) to verify environment variables, image tags, and replica counts.
4. Proceed with helm upgrade only after diff output is verified and approved.

## Verification Checklist
- Run local linting, syntax validation, and type-checks before reporting completion.
- Ensure all created or modified files adhere to workspace boundaries and avoid uncommitted secrets.
- Verify tests or build commands exit cleanly with return code 0.