RHIDP-9097: Documentation should explain the difference between Helm chart vs Operator (redhat-developer#2171)

* Difference between Helm chart and Operator

* Apply peer suggestions

* Apply Fabrice's suggestion

---------

Co-authored-by: GitHub Actions <github-actions@github.com>

Author: jmagak

modules/discover_about-rhdh/con-compare-the-helm-chart-and-operator-to-choose-the-optimal-deployment-method.adoc

@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+:_mod-docs-content-type: CONCEPT
+
+[id="compare-the-helm-chart-and-operator-to-choose-the-optimal-deployment-method_{context}"]
+= Compare the Helm chart and Operator to choose the optimal deployment method
+
+[role="_abstract"]
+When planning your {product} deployment, you must choose between the Helm chart and Operator installation methods. Use the following table to choose the method that aligns with your operational model and team capabilities:
+
+[cols="1,1",options="header"]
+|===
+|Helm chart |Operator
+
+a|*Platform requirements*
+
+* You deploy across multiple Kubernetes platforms ({eks-short}, {gke-short}, {aks-short}).
+* You need maximum portability across different environments.
+a|*Platform requirements*
+
+* You primarily use {ocp-short}.
+* Your platform has Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM) installed.
+
+a|*Setup and deployment priorities*
+
+* You want the simplest initial setup.
+* You prefer fewer deployment steps to get started.
+* You are familiar with Helm workflows.
+a|*Setup and deployment priorities*
+
+* You prioritize long-term automation over initial simplicity.
+* You accept more initial setup complexity for ongoing operational benefits.
+* You want integrated lifecycle management from the start.
+
+a|*Update preferences*
+
+* You want full control over update timing.
+* You test updates in stages across environments.
+* You manage updates manually on your schedule.
+a|*Update preferences*
+
+* You want automated update availability through subscription channels.
+* You prefer continuous reconciliation of desired state.
+* You want less operational overhead for maintaining {product-short}.
+
+a|*Team capabilities*
+
+* Your team has Helm expertise.
+* You want direct access to Kubernetes resources.
+* You prefer hands-on management and troubleshooting.
+a|*Team capabilities*
+
+* Your team follows Kubernetes-native Operator patterns.
+* You want built-in lifecycle management.
+* You are comfortable working with custom resources.
+
+a|*Control and customization needs*
+
+* You need direct control over all Kubernetes resources.
+* You want full visibility into generated manifests.
+* You prefer to inspect and modify deployed resources directly.
+a|*Control and customization needs*
+
+* You prefer declarative configuration through custom resources.
+* You want validation and reconciliation by the Operator.
+* You value standardized deployment patterns across your organization.
+
+|===
+
+Both installation methods are fully supported by Red Hat. Choose the method that best matches your operational priorities, platform requirements, and team expertise.
+
+For detailed installation instructions, see {installing-on-ocp-book-link}[{installing-on-ocp-book-title}].

modules/install_installing-rhdh-on-ocp/con-rhdh-installation-methods-on-ocp.adoc

@@ -21,10 +21,10 @@ The {product} Helm chart::
 * Requires manual installation and management
 --
 
+For guidance on choosing between the Helm chart and Operator based on your operational requirements and team capabilities, see {about-book-link}#compare-the-helm-chart-and-operator-to-choose-the-optimal-deployment-method_about-rhdh[Compare the Helm chart and Operator to choose the optimal deployment method].
+
 [IMPORTANT]
 ====
 You must set the `baseUrl` in `{my-app-config-file}` to match the external URL of your {product-short} instance, such as `pass:c,a,q[{my-product-url}]`.
 This value is required for the {product} to function correctly. If it is not set, front-end and back-end services cannot communicate properly, and features might not work as expected.
 ====
-
-Use the installation method that best meets your needs and preferences.

titles/discover_about-rhdh/master.adoc

@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ Designed for enterprise-scale software teams, {product-very-short} helps develop
 
 include::modules/discover_about-rhdh/con-understanding-internal-developer-platforms.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 include::modules/discover_about-rhdh/con-system-architecture-for-deployment-planning.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
+include::modules/discover_about-rhdh/con-compare-the-helm-chart-and-operator-to-choose-the-optimal-deployment-method.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 include::modules/discover_about-rhdh/con-high-availability-with-database-and-cache-layers.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 include::modules/discover_about-rhdh/con-integrations-in-rhdh.adoc[leveloffset=+1]
 include::modules/discover_about-rhdh/ref-supported-platforms.adoc[leveloffset=+1]