GitLab is a web-based DevOps platform that provides hosting services for Git repositories, similar to GitHub. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features to support the entire software development lifecycle, including source code management, continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD), issue tracking, project management, and collaboration.
Here are some key features of GitLab:
- Repository Hosting: GitLab allows developers to create and manage Git repositories on its platform. It provides a centralized location for storing and collaborating on code, similar to GitHub. Developers can clone repositories, create branches, and make changes to the codebase.
- DevOps Capabilities: GitLab is designed as an integrated DevOps platform, providing a wide range of features to support the development process. It includes built-in CI/CD pipelines, allowing developers to automate the build, test, and deployment processes. This integration streamlines the development workflow and encourages a culture of continuous integration and delivery.
- Issue Tracking and Project Management: GitLab offers robust issue-tracking and project management features. Developers can create and manage issues, track bugs, assign tasks, and set milestones. Project boards and Kanban boards provide visual representations of tasks, allowing teams to manage their work efficiently.
- Collaboration and Code Review: GitLab facilitates collaboration among developers. It supports code review workflows, allowing developers to submit merge requests for peer review, comment on specific lines of code, and discuss changes. Collaboration features like code snippets, inline feedback, and discussions enhance the development process.
- Container Registry: GitLab includes a container registry where developers can store and manage Docker container images. This allows for easy distribution and deployment of containerized applications as part of the CI/CD pipeline.
- Security and Governance: GitLab emphasizes security and governance features. It provides built-in static code analysis, security testing, and vulnerability scanning to help identify and address security issues. Access controls, user permissions, and audit logs ensure secure and compliant development practices.
GitLab is available in two versions: a self-hosted Community Edition (CE) that can be installed on-premises or on a cloud infrastructure and a hosted version called GitLab.com. The self-hosted version provides greater control and customization options, while GitLab.com offers a managed and scalable environment.
There are two main versions of GitLab available:
- GitLab Community Edition (CE): This is the free and open-source version of GitLab. It is available for self-hosting or for use on GitLab’s cloud platform.
- GitLab Enterprise Edition (EE): This is the paid version of GitLab. It includes additional features and support for larger organizations.
In addition to these two main versions, there are also a number of other versions of GitLab available, including:
- GitLab Runner: This is a lightweight, standalone application that can be used to run jobs in a GitLab CI/CD pipeline.
- GitLab Pages: This is a service that can be used to host static websites and applications.
- GitLab Artifacts: This is a service that can be used to store and manage artifacts, such as build artifacts and test results.
All of these versions of GitLab are built on the same code base and share the same core features. The main difference between the versions is the level of support and features that are available.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between GitLab Community Edition and GitLab Enterprise Edition.
