A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a New Repository in GitLab

by Devop · 30/12/2023

In this article, we will guide you step by step through the process of creating a new repository in GitLab. We will cover the benefits of using GitLab for repository management, how to set up a new repository, collaborating on a repository, branching and version control, continuous integration and deployment, managing issues and bug tracking, and monitoring and security measures. By the end of this guide, you will have a solid understanding of how to effectively use GitLab for your repository management needs.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

GitLab is a powerful tool for repository management with various benefits over other tools.
To create a new repository in GitLab, you need to create a GitLab account, create a new project, and configure repository settings.
Collaborating on a GitLab repository involves adding collaborators, managing access levels, and using merge requests.
Branching and version control in GitLab includes creating and switching branches, committing and pushing changes, and merging branches.
GitLab provides continuous integration and deployment capabilities through CI/CD pipelines, defining jobs and stages, and deploying to production.

Why Use GitLab for Repository Management

Benefits of Using GitLab

GitLab offers a wide range of benefits for repository management. With GitLab, you can easily collaborate with your team, manage projects, track bugs, and handle support tickets. It provides a centralized solution for all your development needs, making it easier to streamline your workflow and improve productivity. Additionally, GitLab’s comprehensive DevOps platform allows for seamless integration of new features and bug fixes, resulting in a smoother software development process.

Comparison with Other Repository Management Tools

When comparing GitLab with other repository management tools, there are several key factors to consider. GitLab stands out for its comprehensive set of features that go beyond just version control. With GitLab, you not only get the ability to manage your code repositories, but also access to project management tools, bug tracking, and support ticket management. This all-in-one solution makes GitLab a powerful choice for teams looking for a centralized platform to collaborate and manage their software development projects.

Setting Up a New Repository in GitLab

Creating a GitLab Account

To create a GitLab account, follow these steps:

Visit the GitLab website and click on the ‘Sign up’ button.
Fill in the required information, including your email address and a strong password.
Choose a username that is unique and easy to remember.
Complete the captcha verification to prove that you are not a robot.
Read and accept the terms of service and privacy policy.
Click on the ‘Create account’ button to create your GitLab account.

Once your account is created, you can start using GitLab to manage your repositories and collaborate with others.

Creating a New Project

To create a new project in GitLab, follow these steps:

Click on the ‘New Project’ button on the GitLab homepage.
Fill in the necessary details, such as the project name and project slug.
Choose the visibility level for the repository, with the option to make it private for added security.
Once you have configured the project settings, click on ‘Create project’ to create the repository.

After creating the project, you will be redirected to the home page of your repository. From there, you can start making changes to the repository using the Web IDE, which is a web-based VSCode. To access the Web IDE, click on the ‘Edit’ dropdown on the right side of the screen, to the left of the ‘Code’ button, and select ‘Web IDE’. The IDE will open in another browser tab.

Configuring Repository Settings

After creating a new project in GitLab, the next step is to configure the repository settings. This allows you to customize various aspects of your repository to suit your needs. Here are some important settings to consider:

Visibility: Choose whether your repository should be public, internal, or private.
Default Branch: Set the default branch for your repository.
Merge Request Approvals: Enable or disable the requirement for merge request approvals.
Protected Branches: Specify which branches should be protected to prevent accidental changes.

It’s important to carefully review and configure these settings to ensure the security and accessibility of your repository. Remember, you can always update these settings later if needed.

Tip: Take some time to familiarize yourself with the different settings and their implications before making any changes.

Collaborating on a GitLab Repository

Adding Collaborators

To collaborate with others on your GitLab repository, you can easily add collaborators to your project. Collaborators can be given different access levels, allowing you to control who can make changes to your code. Here’s how you can add collaborators:

Navigate to your project’s repository page on GitLab.
Click on the ‘Settings’ tab.
In the left sidebar, select ‘Members’.
Enter the username or email address of the person you want to add as a collaborator.
Choose the desired access level for the collaborator.
Click ‘Add member’ to add the collaborator to your project.

Remember, collaboration is at the heart of GitLab, so don’t hesitate to invite others to join your coding journey!

Managing Access Levels

Managing access levels in GitLab allows you to control who can view, edit, and contribute to your repository. It’s important to carefully manage access levels to ensure the security and integrity of your codebase. Here are some key considerations when managing access levels:

Using Merge Requests

Creating a merge request in GitLab is a straightforward process that allows you to propose changes to a project and collaborate with others. There are several ways to create a merge request, depending on your workflow and preferences. Here are some methods you can use:

From the merge request list: You can create a merge request directly from the list of merge requests in GitLab. Simply navigate to your project, select ‘Code’ from the sidebar, and then click on ‘Merge requests’. From there, click on ‘New merge request’ and choose the source and target branches.
By sending an email: GitLab also provides the option to create a merge request by sending an email. To do this, go to your project, select ‘Code’ from the sidebar, and then click on ‘Merge requests’. If there are existing merge requests, you can select ‘Email a new merge request to this project’. Follow the instructions to compose an email with the necessary information.
When creating a branch: When you create a new branch in GitLab, you have the option to create a merge request at the same time. Simply navigate to your project, select ‘Code’ from the sidebar, and then click on ‘Branches’. Create a new branch and select ‘Create merge request’ to initiate the process.
From a fork: If you’re working on a forked repository and want to contribute your changes back to the main project, you can create a merge request from your fork. Navigate to your forked project, select ‘Code’ from the sidebar, and then click on ‘Merge requests’. Choose ‘New merge request’ and select the appropriate source and target branches.

Remember to provide a clear and concise description of your changes when creating a merge request. This will help reviewers understand the purpose and impact of your proposed changes.

Branching and Version Control in GitLab

Creating and Switching Branches

When working with GitLab, creating and switching branches is a fundamental part of the version control process. Branches allow you to work on different features or bug fixes without affecting the main codebase. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create and switch branches in GitLab:

Navigate to your project’s repository page.
Click on the ‘Branches’ tab.
Type in a branch name and click on ‘New branch’.
You can now start working on your new branch by creating, editing, or deleting files as needed.
Once you are ready to commit your changes, stage the files using the command ‘git add .’.
Commit the changes locally using the command ‘git commit -m "Commit message"’.
To switch to a different branch, use the command ‘git checkout branch_name’.

By following these steps, you can easily create and switch branches in GitLab, allowing for a more organized and efficient development workflow.

Committing and Pushing Changes

After you’ve added your files to the repository, it’s time to commit. A commit is a confirmation of changes made to the repository. To commit, run the following command:

git commit -m "Mensaje del commit"

Once you’ve committed your changes, you can push them to the remote repository using the git push command. This will make your changes available to others and allow for collaboration.

Remember to provide a descriptive commit message that explains the changes made. This will help others understand the purpose of the commit and make it easier to track changes in the future.

If you want to reduce the number of fields to edit later in the merge request, you can use push options to set the value of fields. GitLab provides a direct link to create a merge request after pushing your branch.

Happy coding and keep pushing those changes!

Merging Branches

After you have created and made changes on a branch, you can merge it back into the main branch using GitLab’s merge request feature. There are multiple ways to create a merge request:

Using the GitLab Web Interface: Go to your project, navigate to Code > Branches, create a new branch, and then select ‘Create merge request’ to initiate the merge request process.
Using Git Commands Locally: If you prefer using Git commands on your local machine, you can create a merge request by creating a branch, making changes, staging and committing the changes, and then pushing the branch to GitLab.
Using the Merge Requests Page: Another way to create a merge request is by going to your project, selecting Code > Merge requests, and then clicking on ‘New merge request’. Fill out the required fields and select ‘Create merge request’ to complete the process.

Remember to provide a clear and concise title and description for your merge request, and assign it to the appropriate reviewers for feedback and approval.

Continuous Integration and Deployment with GitLab

Setting Up CI/CD Pipelines

Setting up CI/CD pipelines is an essential step in automating your AWS deployments using GitLab and Terraform. By leveraging the power of CI/CD, you can streamline your deployment process, reduce errors, and ensure consistent infrastructure configurations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Defining Jobs and Stages

In GitLab CI/CD, defining jobs and stages is a crucial step in setting up your pipeline. Jobs represent the individual tasks or actions that need to be performed, while stages group related jobs together. By defining jobs and stages, you can create a structured and organized pipeline that reflects your development process.

To define jobs and stages in GitLab CI/CD, follow these steps:

Create a .gitlab-ci.yml file in the root directory of your project.
Use the jobs keyword to define the individual jobs and their configurations.
Use the stages keyword to define the stages and their order of execution.
Assign each job to a stage using the stage keyword.
Specify the script or commands to be executed for each job.

Here is an example of a basic .gitlab-ci.yml file:

stages:
  - build
  - test
  - deploy

job1:
  stage: build
  script:
    - echo 'Building...'

job2:
  stage: test
  script:
    - echo 'Testing...'

job3:
  stage: deploy
  script:
    - echo 'Deploying...'

Deploying to Production

Once you have set up your CI/CD pipelines and defined the necessary jobs and stages, it’s time to deploy your code to the production environment. Here are the steps to follow:

Make sure your code is in the main branch of your GitLab repository.
Trigger the deployment process by running the appropriate command or by pushing a new commit to the main branch.
Monitor the deployment job in GitLab to ensure it completes successfully.
Verify the changes in your live environment by checking the relevant functionality or running tests.

Remember to always test your changes in a staging environment before deploying to production to minimize the risk of introducing bugs or issues.

Managing Issues and Bug Tracking in GitLab

Creating and Assigning Issues

When creating and assigning issues in GitLab, there are a few steps to follow:

Go to the bottom of the issue description and select Create merge request > Create branch.
Review the suggested branch name, which is based on your project’s branch name template. If needed, rename the branch.
Select a source branch or tag, and then click Create branch.
To create only a branch directly from an issue, go to the left sidebar, select Search or Go to, find your project, and then select Plan > Issues. Go to the bottom of the issue description and select Create merge request > Create branch.

By following these steps, you can easily create and assign issues in GitLab, ensuring efficient collaboration and tracking of tasks.

Tracking and Resolving Bugs

In the fast-paced world of software development, hiccups are inevitable. GitLab’s built-in issue tracking system serves as a digital to-do list, allowing developers to report, prioritize, and address challenges efficiently. It ensures that no glitch goes unnoticed, and each issue is systematically resolved.

Integrating with Issue Tracking Tools

GitLab provides seamless integration with various issue tracking tools, allowing developers to efficiently manage and track project challenges. By integrating GitLab with popular issue tracking tools like Jira or Trello, teams can easily report, prioritize, and address issues in a centralized and organized manner. This integration streamlines the workflow and ensures that no glitch goes unnoticed. With GitLab’s built-in issue tracking system and its integration capabilities, developers can stay on top of their tasks and collaborate effectively.

Monitoring and Security in GitLab

Monitoring Repository Activity

Monitoring repository activity is essential for keeping track of changes and ensuring the integrity of your codebase. GitLab provides a comprehensive set of tools and features to help you monitor and analyze repository activity. Here are some key features:

Implementing Security Measures

When it comes to implementing security measures in GitLab, GitLab Premium offers a comprehensive set of features to ensure the protection of your repositories and sensitive data. Here are some key steps to enhance the security of your GitLab repository:

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of account security.
Utilize access controls and permissions to manage user privileges and restrict unauthorized access.
Regularly monitor repository activity and review access logs to identify any suspicious behavior.
Implement secure coding practices and perform regular security audits to identify and fix vulnerabilities.

Remember, security is a top priority, and with GitLab Premium, you can take advantage of advanced security features to safeguard your repositories and maintain the integrity of your codebase.

Integrating with Security Tools

When it comes to integrating with security tools, GitLab offers a range of features to help you ensure the safety and integrity of your repositories. One important aspect is the ability to implement a table for presenting structured, quantitative data. This can be particularly useful when analyzing security metrics or tracking vulnerabilities. Additionally, GitLab provides options for monitoring repository activity and implementing security measures to protect your codebase.

To make the most of GitLab’s security capabilities, consider the following:

Use GitLab’s built-in Uptime Monitoring feature to track the availability of your repositories and identify any potential issues.
Leverage GitLab’s Troubleshooting tools to quickly diagnose and resolve any performance or connectivity problems.
Take advantage of GitLab’s Malware Removal feature to detect and remove any malicious code that may have been introduced to your repositories.

Remember, maintaining a secure development environment is crucial for the success of your projects. By utilizing GitLab’s security tools, you can ensure that your repositories are protected and your code remains secure.

Monitoring and Security in GitLab is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of your codebase. With GitLab’s robust monitoring capabilities, you can easily track the performance and availability of your applications. Additionally, GitLab provides powerful security features such as vulnerability scanning, code analysis, and access controls to protect your code from potential threats. By implementing monitoring and security practices in GitLab, you can enhance the overall reliability and security of your software development process. Visit our website, Home Page – DevSecOps, to learn more about how GitLab can help you achieve a secure and efficient DevSecOps workflow.

Conclusion

Starting a new repository in GitLab is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a repository to store and track the changes and versions of your project. Remember to install Git on your system, create a folder for your project, and link the local repository with the remote repository in GitLab. With these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to effectively managing your code and collaborating with others in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GitLab?

GitLab is a web-based Git repository management tool that provides a collaborative platform for software development teams.

Why should I use GitLab for repository management?

GitLab offers a wide range of features for version control, issue tracking, continuous integration, and deployment, making it a comprehensive solution for managing software projects.

How do I create a GitLab account?

To create a GitLab account, visit the GitLab website and click on the ‘Sign up’ button. Fill in the required information and follow the instructions to complete the registration process.

How do I create a new project in GitLab?

After logging in to your GitLab account, click on the ‘+’ button in the top navigation bar and select ‘New project’. Fill in the project details, such as name, description, and visibility, and click on the ‘Create project’ button.

How can I configure the settings of a GitLab repository?

To configure the settings of a GitLab repository, go to the project’s page and click on the ‘Settings’ tab. From there, you can modify various settings, such as access control, repository visibility, and merge request approvals.

How do I add collaborators to a GitLab repository?

To add collaborators to a GitLab repository, navigate to the project’s page and click on the ‘Settings’ tab. Under the ‘Members’ section, enter the username or email address of the collaborator and select the appropriate access level.

What are access levels in GitLab?

Access levels in GitLab determine the permissions and privileges that a user has within a repository. There are several access levels, including ‘Guest’, ‘Reporter’, ‘Developer’, ‘Maintainer’, and ‘Owner’, each with different levels of access and capabilities.

How do I use merge requests in GitLab?

To use merge requests in GitLab, navigate to the project’s page and click on the ‘Merge requests’ tab. From there, you can create a new merge request, review and discuss changes, and merge branches once the changes are approved.