A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing GitLab on Your Server

Installing GitLab on your server might seem hard, but it’s actually a step-by-step process that you can follow easily. This guide will walk you through everything from getting your server ready to setting up your first project. By the end, you’ll have a working GitLab instance that you can use for your development projects.

Key Takeaways

• Make sure your server meets the minimum requirements before installing GitLab.
• Secure your server by configuring the firewall and installing necessary dependencies.
• Download and install the GitLab package following the provided steps.
• Set up the admin account and configure email notifications for GitLab.
• Explore advanced features and create your first project after installation.

Preparing Your Server for GitLab

Setting Up Your Domain and DNS

Before you start, make sure you have a domain name and set up DNS correctly. This is crucial for accessing your GitLab instance. You can use services like Cloudflare or your domain registrar to manage DNS settings. Point your domain to your server’s IP address.

Minimum Server Requirements

To run GitLab smoothly, your server needs to meet some minimum specs. Ensure your server has at least 8 vCPU and 7.2 GB of memory. Also, make sure you have enough hard drive space for all your repositories. This will help in maintaining optimal performance.

Updating and Upgrading Your Server

First, open a terminal window on your server. Run the following commands to update and upgrade your server:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This ensures your server is up-to-date and ready for the GitLab installation. If a kernel upgrade is required, you might need to reboot your server. Always perform these steps during off-hours if it’s a production machine.

Keeping your server updated is a key step in maintaining security and performance.

Securing Your Server Before Installation

Before you install GitLab, it’s crucial to make sure your server is secure. This step-by-step guide will help you set up the necessary security measures to protect your server from potential threats.

Installing GitLab on Your Server

Downloading the GitLab Package

First, you need to get the GitLab package. Open your terminal and run the following commands to download it:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y curl openssh-server ca-certificates tzdata perl
curl -s https://packages.gitlab.com/install/repositories/gitlab/gitlab-ee/script.deb.sh | sudo bash

This will set up the necessary repository for GitLab. Make sure your server is connected to the internet to download these packages.

Running the GitLab Installer

Now that you have the package, it’s time to install GitLab. Run this command:

sudo EXTERNAL_URL="http://yourdomain.com" apt-get install gitlab-ee

Replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain name. This command will install GitLab and configure it to be accessible from your domain.

Initial Configuration Steps

After installation, you need to configure GitLab. Open the configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb

Here, you can set various options like the URL, email settings, and more. Once you’re done, save the file and reconfigure GitLab:

sudo gitlab-ctl reconfigure

This will apply your settings and start GitLab. Congratulations, you have now installed GitLab on your server!

Configuring GitLab for First Use

Now it’s time to configure GitLab! GitLab comes with some sane default configuration options. In this section, we will change them to add more functionality, and make GitLab more secure. For some of the options you’ll use the Admin Area UI, and for some of them you’ll edit /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb, the GitLab configuration file.

Next Steps After Installation

Creating Your First Project

Now that GitLab is up and running, it’s time to create your first project. Head over to the dashboard and click on the "New Project" button. Fill in the project details like name, description, and visibility level. Once done, hit the create button, and your project is ready to go!

Adding SSH Keys

To make your workflow smoother, add your SSH keys. Navigate to your profile settings and find the SSH keys section. Paste your public key into the provided field and save it. This will allow you to clone repositories and push changes without needing to enter your password each time.

Exploring Advanced Features

GitLab Ultimate offers comprehensive security and compliance features, including automated security policies, container scanning, vulnerability management, and fuzz testing. Integration into DevOps lifecycle for efficient and trustworthy software development. Take some time to explore these advanced features to get the most out of your GitLab installation.

Remember, the more you explore, the more you’ll get out of GitLab. Don’t hesitate to dive into the documentation and community forums for tips and tricks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum server requirements for installing GitLab?

To install GitLab, you need a Debian-based server with at least 8 vCPUs, 7.2 GB of memory, and enough storage for all your repositories.

How do I update and upgrade my server before installing GitLab?

Open a terminal and run the commands: ‘sudo apt update’ and ‘sudo apt upgrade’. Make sure to reboot if necessary.

Which ports need to be open for GitLab to work?

You need to open ports 22 (SSH), 80 (HTTP), and 443 (HTTPS). This can be done via your cloud provider’s console or at the server level.

What dependencies are needed before installing GitLab?

You need to install ca-certificates, curl, openssh-server, postfix, and ufw. Use the command: ‘sudo apt-get install ca-certificates curl openssh-server postfix ufw’.

How do I set up the admin account in GitLab?

After installing GitLab, you can set up the admin account by accessing the web interface and following the prompts to create a new admin user.

What should I do after installing GitLab?

After installing GitLab, you can create your first project, add SSH keys, and explore advanced features to get the most out of your GitLab instance.