Audit checklist:
- add explicit grep-based checks for hardcoded namespaces, names, required+default conflicts, unused values keys
- scope name checks to templates/ only — hardcoded names in values.yaml are legitimate
- fix required error message example to include what to set and where
New sections:
- values.yaml Is Not Rendered — fixed names in values.yaml for subchart coordination are correct
- Never Hardcode Namespace / Release Name — hard rule with IaC principle rationale
- Glue Configuration pattern — documented exception for subchart coordination (e.g. Tempo + MinIO)
values.yaml hygiene rewrite:
- two purposes: static baseline + umbrella glue (wiring subcharts into one unit)
- goal is a short, minimal file identical across all installations
- installation-specific values belong exclusively in values.<instance>.yaml
- forbidden: empty placeholders, defaults for rarely-changed values, required-value entries
required vs defaults rewrite:
- sensible default → hardcode in template, not in values.yaml
- must-vary value → required with descriptive message, no entry in values.yaml
- | default forbidden
- required error messages must say exactly what to set and where
KISS addition:
- hardcoded values are the starting point, not a compromise
- parameterize only when developer asks, and into values.<instance>.yaml