How to Create New Project in GitLab: A Beginner’s Guide

Creating a new project in GitLab might seem tough at first, but it’s actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. This guide will walk you through the steps of setting up your first project, whether you’re starting from scratch, using a template, or importing from another platform. Let’s dive in and get your project up and running!

Key Takeaways

• Setting up a GitLab account is the first step to creating a project.
• You can create a project from scratch, use built-in templates, or import projects from other platforms.
• Choosing the right visibility setting for your project is important for managing access.
• GitLab allows you to set up CI/CD pipelines to automate your workflow.
• Managing user permissions and group access helps keep your project secure and organized.

Getting Started with GitLab

Creating Your GitLab Account

First things first, you need a GitLab account. Head over to the GitLab website and click on the Sign Up button. You can register using your email or sign in with Google, LinkedIn, or other third-party services. Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Click the link in the email to activate your account. Now you’re all set to dive into GitLab!

Navigating the GitLab Dashboard

When you first log in, you’ll land on the GitLab dashboard. This is your control center. Here, you can see your projects, groups, and activity feed. The left sidebar is your main navigation tool. It includes links to your projects, issues, merge requests, and more. Spend a few minutes exploring the dashboard to get comfortable.

Understanding GitLab Projects

In GitLab, everything revolves around projects. A project is where your code lives. It’s also where you manage issues, track progress, and collaborate with your team. You can create multiple projects and organize them into groups. Each project has its own repository, issues, merge requests, and CI/CD pipelines. Understanding how projects work is key to mastering GitLab.

Creating a Blank Project

Starting a new project in GitLab is straightforward. Follow these steps to get your project up and running quickly.

Using Built-in Templates

Choosing a Template

A built-in project template populates a new project with files to get you started. Built-in templates are sourced from the following groups:

• project-templates
• pages

Anyone can contribute a built-in template. To create a project from a built-in template:

1. On the left sidebar, at the top, select Create new and New project/repository.
2. Select Create from template.
3. Select the Built-in tab.
4. From the list of templates:
   • To view a preview of the template, select Preview.
   • To use a template for the project, select Use template.

Previewing and Selecting Templates

Before you commit to a template, you can preview it to see if it fits your needs. This is a great way to ensure you’re starting off on the right foot. Simply click Preview next to the template name. If it looks good, click Use template to proceed.

Customizing Template Projects

Once you’ve selected a template, you can customize it to better suit your project. Enter the project details:

• Project name: The name must start with a letter, digit, emoji, or underscore. It can also contain dots, pluses, dashes, or spaces.
• Project slug: This is the URL path to your project. To change the slug, first enter the project name, then change the slug.
• Project description (optional): Describe your project in up to 500 characters.
• Visibility Level: Modify the project’s viewing and access rights.

After filling in the details, select Create project. Your new project will be populated with the template files, and you’re ready to start working!

Importing Projects from Other Platforms

Supported Platforms for Import

GitLab makes it easy to import and migrate groups and projects from various platforms. Some of the supported platforms include GitHub, Bitbucket, and Jira. Each platform has its own set of steps and requirements for a smooth transition.

Steps to Import a Project

1. Choose the Source Platform: Select the platform from which you want to import your project.
2. Authenticate: Provide the necessary credentials to access your project on the source platform.
3. Select the Project: Pick the specific project you want to import.
4. Configure Import Settings: Adjust any settings to tailor the import process to your needs.
5. Start the Import: Click the import button and let GitLab handle the rest.

Troubleshooting Import Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. If you encounter issues, check the following:

• Authentication Errors: Ensure your credentials are correct.
• Missing Data: Verify that all necessary data is available on the source platform.
• Compatibility Issues: Some features may not be fully compatible between platforms.

If you run into persistent problems, consult GitLab’s troubleshooting guide or reach out to their support team for help.

Setting Up CI/CD for Your Project

Connecting External Repositories

To get started with CI/CD in GitLab, you need to connect your external repositories. This is where your code lives and where the magic happens. First, ensure you have a project in GitLab. If not, create one. Then, link your external repository to this project. This can be done through the GitLab interface by navigating to your project settings and selecting the repository you want to connect.

Configuring CI/CD Pipelines

Once your repository is connected, it’s time to set up your CI/CD pipeline. This involves creating a .gitlab-ci.yml file in the root of your repository. This file defines the jobs and stages for your pipeline. For example, you might have a build stage, a test stage, and a deploy stage. Each job within these stages will have specific scripts to run. Remember, the order of these stages is crucial for a smooth pipeline.

Monitoring Pipeline Status

After setting up your pipeline, you need to monitor its status. GitLab provides a visual representation of your pipeline, showing each stage and job. You can view this by going to the Pipelines section in your project. If a job fails, GitLab will highlight it, allowing you to quickly identify and fix issues. Keeping an eye on your pipeline ensures everything runs smoothly and helps you catch problems early.

Setting up a CI/CD pipeline might seem daunting at first, but with GitLab’s intuitive interface and powerful features, you’ll have it up and running in no time. Just follow the steps, and you’ll be deploying code like a pro.

Managing Project Visibility and Permissions

Public vs Private Projects

Choosing between a public or private project is crucial. Public projects are visible to everyone, while private projects are only accessible to specific users. Decide based on your project’s needs. If you’re working on open-source software, public might be the way to go. For internal tools, private is usually better.

Setting User Permissions

User permissions control who can do what in your project. GitLab offers different roles like Guest, Reporter, Developer, Maintainer, and Owner. Each role has its own set of permissions. Assign roles based on the tasks users need to perform. For example, a Developer can push code, but only a Maintainer can merge requests.

Managing Group Access

Groups in GitLab help you manage multiple projects at once. You can add users to a group and assign them roles. This way, they get the same permissions across all projects in the group. It’s a great way to streamline access control. Use groups to simplify management when dealing with many projects.

Advanced Project Settings

Enabling Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

To keep your code secure, you can enable Static Application Security Testing (SAST) in GitLab. SAST scans your code for vulnerabilities before deployment. To set it up, go to your project’s settings, find the Security & Compliance section, and enable SAST. This will help you catch security issues early.

Creating a README File

A README file is essential for any project. It provides an overview and instructions for users. To create one, navigate to your project’s repository and click on the “New File” button. Name the file README.md and add your content. This file will be the first thing users see when they visit your project.

Configuring Deployment Targets

Setting up deployment targets ensures your project is deployed to the right environment. Go to the CI/CD settings in your project and specify your deployment targets. You can set different targets for staging, production, and other environments. This helps in managing where your code goes after passing the CI/CD pipeline.

Remember, configuring deployment targets correctly is crucial for smooth project deployment.

Interacting with Projects API

You can interact with projects by using the REST API. Users with any default role can read project properties with the projects API. Only users with the owner or maintainer role can modify project settings. This is useful for automating tasks and integrating with other tools.

Explore the Advanced Project Settings to take your projects to the next level. Our platform offers tools that help you manage and optimize every aspect of your project. From planning to deployment, we’ve got you covered. Visit our website to learn more and get started today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a new project in GitLab?

To start a new project in GitLab, click on ‘Create new project’ from the main dashboard. You can choose to create a blank project, use a template, or import a project from another platform.

What are the visibility options for a GitLab project?

You can set your project’s visibility to Public, Internal, or Private. Public projects can be seen by anyone, Internal projects are visible to logged-in users, and Private projects are only accessible to project members.

Can I import a project from another platform into GitLab?

Yes, GitLab supports importing projects from various platforms like GitHub, Bitbucket, and Google Code. You can do this during the project creation process by selecting the ‘Import project’ option.

What is a GitLab template, and how do I use one?

A GitLab template is a pre-made project setup that includes necessary files to get you started quickly. To use a template, select ‘Create from template’ when starting a new project, choose a template, and customize it as needed.

How can I set up CI/CD for my GitLab project?

To set up CI/CD, connect your project to an external repository if needed, then configure your CI/CD pipelines in the project’s settings. You can monitor the pipeline status from the CI/CD dashboard.

What are the different permission levels in GitLab?

GitLab offers various permission levels such as Guest, Reporter, Developer, Maintainer, and Owner. Each level has different access rights and capabilities within the project.