Flux is an open-source GitOps toolkit for Kubernetes, maintained by the CNCF. It keeps Kubernetes clusters synchronized with sources of configuration (Git repositories, Helm repositories, S3 buckets) and automates updates to configuration when new code or images are available.
Flux v2 was rebuilt from scratch using a set of composable controllers, each handling a specific responsibility: source management, Kustomize application, Helm release management, image automation, and notification. This modular architecture lets teams use only the components they need.
One of Flux’s key features is image automation — it can watch container registries for new image tags and automatically update Git repositories with the new versions, creating a fully automated deployment pipeline. Flux also supports multi-tenancy, letting platform teams provide isolated GitOps workflows to different application teams.
Flux was originally created by Weaveworks (which shut down in 2024) but continues as a healthy CNCF graduated project with contributors from multiple organizations. ControlPlane, founded by former Weaveworks employees, now offers commercial Flux support and enterprise features. Flux is often compared with Argo CD, with teams choosing based on architectural preferences.
