> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.harness.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.harness.io/continuous-delivery/use-continuous-delivery/deploy-services-on-different-platforms/kustomize/kustomize-faqs.md).

# Kustomize Deployment FAQs

This article addresses some frequently asked questions about Kustomize deployments in Harness.

#### What is Kustomize, and how does it relate to Harness Next-Gen? <a href="#what-is-kustomize-and-how-does-it-relate-to-harness-next-gen" id="what-is-kustomize-and-how-does-it-relate-to-harness-next-gen"></a>

Kustomize is a Kubernetes-native configuration management tool that simplifies the customization of Kubernetes manifests. In Harness Next-Gen, Kustomize is used to manage and customize Kubernetes manifests for deployments.

#### What are Kustomize overlays, and why are they useful? <a href="#what-are-kustomize-overlays-and-why-are-they-useful" id="what-are-kustomize-overlays-and-why-are-they-useful"></a>

Kustomize overlays are a way to customize and extend Kubernetes manifests without modifying the original base manifests. Overlays allow you to apply environment-specific configurations, such as namespace, labels, and resource limits, to the base manifests, making it easier to manage different environments (e.g., dev, test, prod) within a single repository.

#### Can I use variables and secrets with Kustomize overlays in Harness? <a href="#can-i-use-variables-and-secrets-with-kustomize-overlays-in-harness" id="can-i-use-variables-and-secrets-with-kustomize-overlays-in-harness"></a>

Yes, you can use Harness variables and secrets in your Kustomize overlays to parameterize configurations and securely manage sensitive data.

#### What is the deployment process for Kustomize-based applications in Harness Next-Gen? <a href="#what-is-the-deployment-process-for-kustomize-based-applications-in-harness-next-gen" id="what-is-the-deployment-process-for-kustomize-based-applications-in-harness-next-gen"></a>

When you deploy a Kustomize-based application in Harness, Harness will automatically apply the specified overlay based on the target environment, ensuring that the Kustomized Kubernetes manifests are deployed correctly.

#### Can I preview and validate Kustomize manifests in Harness before deployment? <a href="#can-i-preview-and-validate-kustomize-manifests-in-harness-before-deployment" id="can-i-preview-and-validate-kustomize-manifests-in-harness-before-deployment"></a>

Yes, Harness provides a preview and validation feature for Kustomize manifests, allowing you to review and validate the customized manifests for correctness before initiating a deployment.

#### What are the benefits of using Kustomize manifest with Harness Next-Gen for Kubernetes deployments? <a href="#what-are-the-benefits-of-using-kustomize-manifest-with-harness-next-gen-for-kubernetes-deployments" id="what-are-the-benefits-of-using-kustomize-manifest-with-harness-next-gen-for-kubernetes-deployments"></a>

Using Kustomize with Harness simplifies the management of Kubernetes manifests by providing a declarative and version-controlled approach to customizations. It ensures consistency across environments and simplifies the deployment process.

#### What Kustomize binary versions Harness Support? <a href="#what-kustomize-binary-versions-harness-support" id="what-kustomize-binary-versions-harness-support"></a>

Harness includes Kustomize binary versions 3.5.4 and 4.0.0. By default, Harness uses 3.5.4. To use 4.0.0, you must enable the feature flag NEW\_KUSTOMIZE\_BINARY in your account

#### What are the constraints regarding Kustomize build commands within Harness, specifically in terms of supported commands and their functionality? <a href="#what-are-the-constraints-regarding-kustomize-build-commands-within-harness-specifically-in-terms-of" id="what-are-the-constraints-regarding-kustomize-build-commands-within-harness-specifically-in-terms-of"></a>

Harness supports the Kustomize `build` command only. The Kustomize `build` command builds a kustomization target from a directory or URL. Please read more on this in the following [Documentation](/continuous-delivery/use-continuous-delivery/deploy-services-on-different-platforms/kustomize/use-kustomize-for-kubernetes-deployments.md#limitations-1)

#### Can I design a pipeline to deploy Helm charts hosted in a remote private Helm registry and using Kustomize to patch the Helm charts? <a href="#can-i-design-a-pipeline-to-deploy-helm-charts-hosted-in-a-remote-private-helm-registry-and-using-kus" id="can-i-design-a-pipeline-to-deploy-helm-charts-hosted-in-a-remote-private-helm-registry-and-using-kus"></a>

Native Helm doesn't support Kustomize; however, you could use [service hooks](/continuous-delivery/use-continuous-delivery/deploy-services-on-different-platforms/helm/deploy-helm-charts.md#service-hooks) for this.