GitLab: a popular platform for development

The GitLab service is highly popular among developers. It is extremely user-friendly and allows solving a wide range of tasks. Next, we will take a closer look at it, discussing its main features, distinctions from other platforms, and areas of application.

What is GitLab and why should you consider this solution?

Simply put, GitLab is a platform that allows you to store code, manage projects, and individual repositories. Its core is based on the well-known Git system, widely used for version control.

When working with GitLab, developers can save their code online and continuously communicate with other team members—for example, to discuss ideas, quickly edit, test code, and more. This increases overall team collaboration efficiency.

For those who value ease in task planning, organized team development, and maximum automation of builds, GitLab becomes an indispensable tool.

GitLab: Key Concepts

Before diving into the details of GitLab, it's important to understand the basic concepts of this popular solution.

Git version control is essential for saving code during its creation or modification. Intermediate versions are crucial because certain parts are added or removed for various reasons. Commits are used for this purpose.

A commit is a set of changes containing data about all code modifications. This may include adding, editing, or deleting specific files. Commits allow rolling back code to working versions in case the current one is deleted or damaged.

A repository is a storage for the code itself and related files, such as images, icons, and others. The convenience of a repository is that you can review the change history of any file at any time.

Branches are independent development lines that do not intersect with each other. This helps prevent conflicts between changes made.

Branch merging is the process of combining branches. It allows for correctly applying changes and introducing new features into the main branches. To perform a merge, a corresponding “merge request” must be created.

IMPORTANT: To simplify work in GitLab, there is an option for automatic merging into the main branch under certain conditions. Developers can set the criteria for when this is allowed, such as requiring successful testing.

Why choose GitLab?

 Here are the main features of the platform:

• Convenient code management. Besides storage, you can effectively manage code, create new branches, and perform merges when needed.
• Use of CI/CD pipelines. The proprietary GitLab Runner is indispensable here—an agent for continuous deployment and integration that reliably executes tasks and reports results.
• Task and project management. Thanks to Agile methodologies, the platform is suitable for global projects where prioritizing goals, tracking progress, and identifying potential issues are essential.
• High level of built-in security. GitLab includes code defect detection. Additionally, it supports testing applications in various modes, collectively ensuring a solid security level for projects.
• Notifications and monitoring. Special tools allow continuous tracking of application performance changes and prompt alerts about any issues.
• Deployment versatility. GitLab works equally well with cloud solutions and local (self-hosted) servers, allowing you to choose the best option according to specific needs and capabilities.
• Package registry. It boasts high performance and security, suitable for different package types. Managing packages is very convenient and takes place throughout the entire software lifecycle.

These are the main features of GitLab. Additionally, it has important characteristics that make this tool popular:

• Excellent compatibility. The platform integrates with many services and applications (Jira, Docker, Google, and others), greatly simplifying corporate environment integration.
• Labels to simplify development. Special labels help group requests and possible errors, as well as track any changes across all projects.
• Appropriate access levels. GitLab includes a built-in module for user rights management, ensuring authentication security.
• Convenient data handling. The platform provides tools for importing/exporting data from various sources and supports large volumes.
• Built-in Kubernetes. As the most popular orchestrator, it significantly simplifies software creation and testing.
• Access to cloud services. Any developer can store projects in the cloud for free and create private repositories.
• High-quality analytics. GitLab offers advanced analytical tools to monitor each developer’s work, time spent on projects, and other aspects.
• Continuous updates. GitLab is updated monthly, with a focus on security and usability alongside functionality improvements.

Main Differences Between GitLab and GitHub

These web services are used for project hosting. Both are based on the well-known Git version control system. While they share many similarities, there are key differences:

• GitLab has all CI/CD tools built-in by default, whereas GitHub requires using the third-party service GitHub Actions.
• GitLab lacks access levels, which is very convenient for all project participants. In GitHub’s basic version, access is limited and divided between collaborators and owners.
• GitLab can operate on any servers—local or cloud. GitHub is less versatile, working only with cloud solutions.
   Their functionalities are very similar, but GitLab does not require third-party tools, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

How to Get Started with GitLab?

 Using the platform involves performing certain steps. Let’s look at them in detail.

Registering a New Profile

To create an account, you need to use the standard sign-up form, where you enter your email/login and set a password. Then the system sends a confirmation link to your email. Clicking this link completes the registration process.

For user convenience, authorization via accounts from third-party services is also available.

Creating a Repository

 To start a new project, simply click the “plus” icon located in the center of the page. Then select the desired action and fill in a few fields:

• owner’s name;
• a brief description of the repository.

You also need to set the privacy level. The project can be public, have access restrictions, or be private. After entering this information, click the “Create repo” button.

IMPORTANT: GitLab supports working with remote repositories. This involves using graphical clients and command-line commands, which require certain skills and knowledge in this area.

File Upload

GitLab’s standard tools allow various file operations: uploading, adding licenses, creating new files, etc. These actions are quick, require minimal steps, and don’t need format changes.

SSH Keys

They simplify data upload by eliminating repeated authorization steps. To create SSH keys, open the terminal, run ssh-keygen, and specify the path to the public key file. Then, in GitLab settings, go to SSH Keys and paste the secret key into the Key field. Finally, click Clone in the repository and replace https with ssh.

Repository Branches

By default, GitLab has a main branch called master, but additional branches can be created. Just click the “+” icon and select New branch. Switching between branches is simple and fast, requiring no extra steps.

Branch Merging

Merging branches is done via the Create merge request button. Then, write a brief description and specify the source and target branches. Once the request is approved, just click Merge.

Adding Developers

GitLab has no user limits. To add new members, go to Members in settings, then use Select members to invite to find the developer by username or email. Assign an access level for each user and click Add to project.

Deleting Projects

To delete a project, open Settings, go to General, then Advanced. Find the Remove Project option. To prevent accidental deletion, you must enter the project’s exact name before confirming the removal.

GitLab for Team Use

GitLab offers extensive capabilities for development teams. Key features include:

1. Task Management – Teams can create tasks, assign them to specific developers, and track progress, reducing project risks.
2. Testing – Built-in tools and CI/CD integration automate testing processes, making it easier to detect bugs and maintain high code quality.
3. Build and Deployment – GitLab’s versatile tools allow fast application builds and deployments, boosting overall development efficiency.
4. Releases – The platform simplifies release management, including versioning, publishing, and documentation, improving client communication.
5. Configuration – Developers can use pre-set configuration files to tailor infrastructure to specific needs, minimizing human error and enhancing flexibility.
6. Monitoring – Built-in monitoring tools provide insights into application performance and help teams respond quickly to issues.

GitLab is a truly universal solution, ideal for both solo developers and large development teams.

Areas of Application and Main Users of GitLab

GitLab is widely used across various industries and by different user groups. Its primary areas of application include:

• Project Management – Built-in planning tools support secure access control, backlog management, Kanban board configuration, and more.
• Repository Management – GitLab ensures safe and efficient code storage without complications.
• Automation with GitLab CI/CD – The integrated CI/CD tool fully automates building, testing, and deployment processes.
• Maintaining High Quality – Code review features help maintain consistent code quality and prevent regressions.

Who Uses GitLab Most Often

GitLab is favored by a wide range of users across industries. Key user categories include:

• Small businesses and startups – They seek cost-effective, efficient solutions for software development.
• Coders (freelancers and teams) – Value GitLab’s collaborative coding environment and streamlined workflows.
• Companies – Rely on GitLab for integrated project management and seamless communication between developers and teams.
• DevOps engineers – Appreciate the platform’s robust automation for development, deployment, and testing processes.
• Educational institutions – Use GitLab to teach collaborative programming and real-world development practices.
• Testers – Focus on continuous testing and ensuring product quality through GitLab’s built-in tools.
• Project managers – Use planning, tracking, and monitoring features to oversee development cycles effectively.

GitLab is more than just a code repository—it's a complete ecosystem for collaborative development, task management, CI/CD, and performance monitoring. With powerful features, high security, and support for both cloud and on-premise deployments, GitLab is a strong choice for teams of any size. Its intuitive interface, frequent updates, and active community make it a trusted partner in modern software development.