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buildcharts generate is the core step that turns repository metadata into an executable Docker Buildx Bake plan.

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What it reads

During generation, BuildCharts reads:
  • build.yml
  • charts/buildcharts/Chart.yaml
  • charts/buildcharts/Chart.lock if it exists

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What it validates

Before writing output, BuildCharts validates:
  • There is exactly one build target
  • Every target type matches a chart alias from Chart.yaml
When Chart.lock exists and --ignore-lock is not set, buildcharts generate checks:
  • Missing lock entries
  • Version mismatches between Chart.yaml and Chart.lock
  • Orphaned lock entries
  • Registry digest mismatches during pull
If the lock file is out of sync, BuildCharts stops and tells you to refresh it. See Lock files.

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What it does

  1. Removes the previous .buildcharts folder.
  2. Pulls chart artifacts into .buildcharts.
  3. Runs configured plugins.
  4. Writes .buildcharts/docker-bake.hcl.

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Main output

The generated Bake file lives here: 
.buildcharts/docker-bake.hcl
Run it with: 
buildcharts generate
docker buildx bake --file .buildcharts/docker-bake.hcl
Last modified on March 15, 2026