Ways to get a raw yaml

From kustomize

If using kustomize based specifications, we can use

kustomize build
kubectl kustomize

From helm

If using native helm, we can use

helm template

If using helmCharts inside a kustomization yaml, we wan use

kustomize build --enable-helm
kubectl kustomize --enable-helm

https://kubectl.docs.kubernetes.io/references/kustomize/kustomization/helmcharts/

It has some limitations and it will be deprecated in favour of KRM functions

https://github.com/kubernetes-sigs/kustomize/issues/4401

Using KRM (kpt) functions

KRM functions are pluggable, reusable scripts or containers that automate the transformation, validation, and generation of Kubernetes YAML resources, enabling powerful and flexible configuration workflows.

However, support in kustomize and kubectl kustomize is still experimental or alpha, and may not be recommended for production use yet. The ecosystem is growing, but you should check the documentation and maturity of the specific tool and function you plan to use.

https://kpt.dev/book/02-concepts/03-functions

Gitops

From an argocd applcation

We can use

argocd app manifest <app-name>

Fluxcd

FluxCD’s source-controller can fetch and output raw manifests from Git, Helm, or OCI sources.