How to Deploy GitLab: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Devop · 14/02/2024

Deploying GitLab can be a complex process that involves several steps and configurations. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of setting up GitLab, configuring your environment, deploying your applications, and utilizing GitLab’s CI/CD features. By following these key takeaways, you can successfully deploy GitLab and streamline your development workflow.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Review the key GitLab CI/CD features to understand the capabilities of the platform.
Create your first GitLab pipeline and explore more complex pipelines for building, testing, and deploying applications.
Set up and configure GitLab according to your project requirements.
Test your GitLab instance to ensure that everything is functioning correctly.
Utilize hands-on labs and tutorials to enhance your GitLab skills and troubleshoot any issues.

Getting Started with GitLab

Create a Project in GitLab

Getting your project up and running in GitLab is a breeze. Start by logging into your GitLab account and navigating to the New Project button. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps you’ll need to follow:

Click on Create new project or Import project if you’re bringing in an existing repository.
Choose Create blank project to start fresh.
Fill in the Project name and ensure the Project slug reflects your desired URL path.
For security, set the Visibility Level to private, especially if you’re working with sensitive code.
Review the settings and click Create project to finalize.

Remember, keeping your repository private safeguards your code from prying eyes. It’s a good practice, particularly if you’re dealing with proprietary or sensitive information.

Once your project is created, you’re set to push your application code and start leveraging GitLab’s powerful features for version control and CI/CD.

Push Your Application Code

Once you’ve created your project in GitLab, the next step is to push your application code to the repository. This is a critical step that sets the stage for all the continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) magic to happen. GitLab’s CI/CD pipeline templates come built in, automatically scanning your code to create and run pipelines to build, test, package, and deploy your application.

To push your code, follow these simple steps:

Open your terminal or command prompt.
Navigate to the root directory of your local project.
Initialize the local directory as a Git repository, if you haven’t already:
git init
Add the remote GitLab repository:
git remote add origin YOUR_GITLAB_REPOSITORY_URL
Stage your files for the commit:
git add .
Commit the changes with a meaningful message:
git commit -m "Initial commit"
Push the code to the GitLab repository:
git push -u origin master

Remember, pushing code to GitLab is more than just a one-time affair. It’s about establishing a workflow that enables you to continuously integrate and deliver your application with ease. Keep your code in sync with your GitLab repository to leverage the full potential of GitLab’s CI/CD features.

Setting Up Your Runner

Get a Registration Token for the GitLab Runner

To integrate your GitLab Runner with your project, you’ll need a registration token. This token is crucial for authenticating your runner and linking it to your specific project. Navigate to your project’s settings in GitLab, then proceed to Settings > CI/CD. Expand the Runners section to locate your registration token. Here’s a simple guide to retrieve it:

Go to your project’s Settings > CI/CD.
Expand the Runners section.
Note the token in the Setup a specific Runner manually area.

Remember, the registration token is sensitive information and should be kept secure. If you’re using GitLab Ultimate, you’ll have access to enhanced security features to protect your CI/CD environment.

Ensure that the token is stored securely and is not exposed in any logs or repositories to prevent unauthorized access to your CI/CD pipeline.

Once you have the token, you can proceed to install the GitLab Runner and register it with the necessary tags, such as werf for your build tasks, and shell as the runner executor. Proper registration of your GitLab Runner is the foundation for a robust CI/CD pipeline.

Install the GitLab Runner

With your project set up and your code pushed to GitLab, it’s time to install the GitLab Runner. This is a crucial component that will run your CI/CD jobs and send the results back to GitLab. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth installation:

Ensure you have the registration token from your GitLab project’s CI/CD settings.
Install the GitLab Runner on your server, following the official documentation for your specific platform.
Add the gitlab-runner user to the docker group to allow it to execute Docker commands without sudo.

After installation, it’s important to verify that the GitLab Runner is running and is properly registered. This will save you from potential headaches when you start defining your CI/CD pipelines.

Remember to configure the Runner with the appropriate tags and executor, as these settings will determine how your jobs are run. For instance, if you’re using werf, you’ll want to set werf as a tag and shell as the executor.

Register the GitLab Runner with Specific Tags

After installing the GitLab Runner, the next crucial step is to register it with your GitLab instance. This process involves associating specific tags with your runner, which allows for precise job execution control. For instance, if you’re using werf for your deployment process, you would enter werf as the tag during registration. Similarly, specify shell as the runner executor to ensure the runner can execute shell scripts.

Registering your runner with the right tags is essential for efficient CI/CD pipelines. Tags enable you to route jobs to runners that are equipped with the necessary dependencies and environments. This is particularly useful when you have multiple runners and need to differentiate their capabilities or when using features available in GitLab Premium.

Ensure that the gitlab-runner user has the appropriate permissions and is added to the docker group to avoid any permission-related issues during pipeline execution.

Here’s a quick checklist to follow after registering your runner:

Verify the runner is listed and active in your GitLab project’s settings under the CI/CD section.
Check that the runner’s tags match the tags specified in your .gitlab-ci.yml file.
Confirm that the runner has access to any necessary services, like Docker or Kubernetes, if applicable.

Preparing Your Cloud Environment

Review Required Paid Resources

Before diving into the deployment process, it’s crucial to review the paid resources required for your GitLab instance. This step ensures that you have the necessary budget and approvals in place to avoid any disruptions during deployment.

When planning your GitLab deployment, consider the following:

The size and scope of your project.
The number of users and their roles.
Expected traffic and load on the system.
Backup and recovery requirements.

Remember, choosing the right resources not only affects the performance but also the scalability of your GitLab environment.

Additionally, GitLab offers various subscription tiers that provide different features and support levels. Assess your project’s needs and select a tier that aligns with your deployment goals. For instance, larger enterprises may require a more comprehensive plan that includes advanced security and compliance features.

Prepare the Infrastructure

Before diving into the deployment of GitLab, it’s crucial to prepare your infrastructure adequately. This involves setting up the necessary environment where your GitLab instance will live. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to create a network that will serve as the backbone for your GitLab services.

When considering the infrastructure, remember to account for the required paid resources. These typically include, but are not limited to, costs associated with disks, VMs, public IP usage, Docker image storage, and Kubernetes services. Here’s a quick rundown of potential costs:

Disks and VMs: Continuous operation costs
Dynamic public IP: Usage fees
Docker images: Storage costs
Kubernetes master: Service fees

Ensure that your infrastructure is scalable and secure to support the continuous integration and deployment processes that GitLab will facilitate.

For those who prefer infrastructure as code, tools like Terraform can be used to automate the provisioning of your environment. This not only speeds up the process but also adds a layer of consistency and repeatability to your deployments. Keep in mind that while you can provision new infrastructure or implement changes through your pipeline, the destruction of infrastructure should be managed separately, often from a local machine.

Lastly, organize your infrastructure-related projects and environments systematically. This could include categorizing them into Infrastructure Department Projects, Environments, Feature Support, and Product Management to maintain clarity and ease of management.

Install Additional Dependencies

Before diving into the core of GitLab deployment, it’s crucial to ensure your local environment is equipped with the necessary tools. Install the following items to streamline your workflow:

jq – A lightweight and flexible command-line JSON processor.
kubectl – The command-line tool for Kubernetes. Configure it to interact with your Managed Service for Kubernetes cluster.
Helm – A package manager for Kubernetes, essential for managing applications on the cluster.

Remember to enable the dependency proxy for packages to reduce unnecessary traffic to the upstream registry. This step is particularly important for maintaining efficient operations and minimizing delays during continuous integration and deployment processes.

Warning: For production environments, restrict access to the Kubernetes cluster service accounts. Only allow pushing Docker images to a registry by creating a separate service account with the container-registry.images.pusher role for deployment purposes.

Creating and Configuring Your GitLab Instance

Create a GitLab Instance

Once you’ve prepared your cloud environment, it’s time to create your GitLab instance. This is a critical step where you’ll set up the core platform that will host your projects and handle CI/CD processes.

To get started, follow these steps:

Log in to the Managed Service for GitLab instance web interface.
Navigate to ‘Create a project’ and select ‘Create blank project’.
Provide a Project name and select the appropriate Project URL.
Leave the default settings or adjust as necessary for your project.
Click ‘Create project’ to finalize the setup.

Remember to add your SSH Key to GitLab to establish a secure connection for code pushes. Access your account preferences, find the SSH Keys section, and paste your key there.

It may take a few minutes for the VM to reach a RUNNING status and for GitLab to start. Once that happens, you can proceed with the configuration and further setup of your instance.

Creating a GitLab instance is just the beginning. Ensuring it’s properly configured to meet your project’s needs is equally important. After creation, take the time to review and adjust the settings to align with your CI/CD goals.

Configure GitLab

Once your GitLab instance is up and running, it’s time to tailor it to your needs. Configuration is key to ensuring that your GitLab environment aligns with your project requirements and workflow. Start by setting up the necessary integrations and adjusting the settings for visibility, merge requests, and approvals.

GitLab offers a wide range of settings that can be customized, including but not limited to:

User permissions and roles
Repository settings
Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) settings
Security and compliance features

Remember to configure the GitLab agent for Kubernetes if you’re planning to use GitLab for orchestrating your deployments. This step is crucial for a seamless CI/CD experience and allows for efficient management of your Kubernetes resources. For more detailed instructions, refer to the official GitLab documentation.

Ensure that all configurations are thoroughly tested before moving on to the next phase of your deployment process. This will save you time and prevent potential issues down the line.

Test Your GitLab Instance

Once you’ve configured your GitLab instance, it’s crucial to verify that everything is functioning as expected. Start by creating a test project to simulate real-world operations. This will help you ensure that all components of your GitLab setup are working harmoniously.

Next, perform a series of actions to validate the setup:

Push code to the repository
Open and merge a merge request
Track the build process in the CI/CD pipeline

GitLab offers comprehensive features for test automation, test case management, CI/CD, and integration with popular frameworks. Easily configure GitLab for testing to streamline workflows and improve software quality.

Remember, a successful test run is indicative of a well-configured GitLab environment. It’s a green signal to proceed with deploying your actual projects.

Developing Your Application

Create a Test Application

Before diving into the complexities of CI/CD pipelines, it’s crucial to create a test application. This will serve as your sandbox for experimentation and learning the ropes of GitLab’s powerful features. Start by selecting a Quick Start Template that matches your preferred technology stack:

Go
Java
JavaScript Frameworks
Node.js
PHP
Python
Ruby
Scala

Once you’ve chosen a template, follow the Go Live Checklist to ensure your application is configured correctly. This includes setting up environment variables, reviewing supported technologies, and ensuring your application meets the necessary infrastructure requirements.

Remember, the goal is to simulate a real-world scenario as closely as possible, so take the time to flesh out your test application with enough complexity to make the exercise meaningful.

Creating a Personal Access Token is a good next step, which will allow you to interact with your GitLab instance programmatically. This token will be essential for setting up your GitLab Runner and automating your CI/CD pipeline later on.

Review .gitlab-ci.yml Keyword Reference

Understanding the keywords in your .gitlab-ci.yml file is crucial for setting up efficient CI/CD pipelines. Each keyword has a specific role in the pipeline configuration, from defining stages to specifying job behaviors. Familiarize yourself with the most commonly used keywords to ensure your pipeline is optimized for your project’s needs.

Here’s a quick reference list of some essential keywords:

stages: Define the stages of the pipeline.
before_script: Commands that run before each job.
script: The main set of commands that the job will execute.
after_script: Commands that run after each job.
rules: Define conditions for when a job should run.
environment: Specify the deployment environment.

Remember, the rules keyword is particularly powerful for conditional job execution, allowing you to fine-tune when and how jobs are triggered.

When configuring your .gitlab-ci.yml, consider the workflow details and how each stage interacts with others. A well-structured pipeline not only automates your build and deployment process but also ensures that resources are used effectively and that your team can easily manage and troubleshoot the CI/CD process.

Build a .gitlab-ci.yml File

Creating a .gitlab-ci.yml file is a pivotal step in defining your CI/CD pipeline in GitLab. This file contains the configuration for your automated pipeline, specifying how your code should be built, tested, and deployed. Start by creating the .gitlab-ci.yml file in the root directory of your project.

To create the file, you can use the command line with a simple touch .gitlab-ci.yml command. Once created, open the file with your preferred text editor and begin adding your pipeline configuration. If you’re new to GitLab CI/CD, it’s recommended to review the official documentation for a comprehensive understanding of the available syntax and features.

Remember, the .gitlab-ci.yml file is the heart of your CI/CD process. It’s essential to get it right.

Here’s a basic structure to consider for your .gitlab-ci.yml file:

Stages: Define the stages of your pipeline, such as build, test, and deploy.
Jobs: Specify the jobs that run in each stage. Each job should have a script that executes the necessary commands.
Rules: Use rules to control when jobs should run, allowing for conditional execution based on branch, tags, or other variables.

By carefully crafting your .gitlab-ci.yml file, you set the stage for a robust and efficient CI/CD pipeline that can significantly streamline your development workflow.

Deploying Your Application

Create a GitLab Runner

After setting up your project and obtaining a registration token, the next step is to create a GitLab Runner. This component is crucial as it’s responsible for running the jobs that you define in your .gitlab-ci.yml file. A GitLab Runner is essentially a helper that follows instructions to execute tasks in a GitLab CI/CD pipeline.

To install the GitLab Runner, follow the official guide which will walk you through the process. Once installed, you’ll need to register it with your GitLab instance using the registration token you obtained earlier. Remember to specify werf as the tag for your runner and shell as the executor.

Ensure that your GitLab Runner is properly configured to communicate with your GitLab instance. This is a critical step for the automation of your CI/CD pipeline.

Here’s a quick checklist for setting up your GitLab Runner:

Install the GitLab Runner application.
Register the Runner with your GitLab instance.
Configure the Runner with the appropriate tags and executor.
Verify the Runner’s connection to your GitLab project.

Set Up Kubernetes Authentication in GitLab

Setting up Kubernetes authentication in GitLab is a critical step for ensuring secure communication between your GitLab instance and the Kubernetes cluster. You have two main options: using a service account token or the GitLab Agent. Here’s how to get started with the service account token method:

Create a service account in your Kubernetes cluster.
Get a service account token for the account you just created.
Save the token securely, as you’ll need it for subsequent steps.

Remember, the Kubernetes service account is distinct from any cloud provider’s identity and access management service accounts.

For the GitLab Agent method, you’ll need to install the GitLab Agent application. Once installed, it will facilitate a secure connection between your Kubernetes cluster and GitLab. For detailed instructions, refer to the official GitLab documentation.

Additionally, set up the necessary GitLab environment variables in your project’s CI/CD settings. This includes KUBE_URL, which is the address of your Kubernetes master node. You can retrieve this using the appropriate command for your Kubernetes management service.

Configure the CI Script

Once your GitLab runner is configured, it’s time to focus on the CI script that will define your application’s build and deployment process. The .gitlab-ci.yml file is the cornerstone of the GitLab CI/CD pipeline, where you specify the jobs and their respective commands.

To create your CI script configuration:

Navigate to the ‘Repository’ section and select the ‘Files’ tab.
Choose ‘New file’ from the dropdown menu next to your project name.
Name the file .gitlab-ci.yml and outline the steps for building your Docker image and updating configurations for Kubernetes.

Ensure that your .gitlab-ci.yml file is correctly formatted and includes all necessary stages and scripts for deployment.

Remember to replace placeholders like <GitLab_Agent_name> with actual values specific to your environment. After committing your changes with a descriptive message, your pipeline will be ready to automate the build and deployment process. GitLab CI/CD simplifies deployment scripts, manages configurations with Docker-in-Docker, and offers powerful features for automating workflows.

Check the Deployment Result

After configuring your .gitlab-ci.yml and initiating the pipeline, it’s crucial to check the deployment results to ensure everything is running smoothly. Navigate to CI/CD ightarrow Pipelines in the GitLab interface to monitor the progress and outcome of your build stages.

Once the pipeline completes, you can verify the application’s functionality by examining the container logs. Use the command kubectl logs deployment/hello-world-deployment -n hello-world to view the output and confirm that your application is behaving as expected.

Remember, the deployment process is not just about successful code execution; it’s about ensuring that the application meets the desired state and functions correctly in the live environment.

If you encounter any issues, refer to the deployment logs and the Git repository references to troubleshoot effectively. The deployment history in GitLab provides a valuable reference for understanding the current state of your environments.

Continuous Integration and Deployment

Understand Key GitLab CI/CD Features

GitLab CI/CD is a powerful suite of tools that revolutionizes the way developers integrate and deploy code. It offers a high degree of automation, customization, and seamless testing to streamline the development process. With GitLab, you can define complex workflows that cater to your project’s specific needs, ensuring that your code is always in a deployable state.

GitLab CI/CD’s flexibility is evident in its support for multiple stages and jobs within a pipeline. You can configure pipelines to run tests, deploy applications, and even perform code quality scanning, all within the same workflow. Here’s a quick overview of the types of hands-on labs available to help you get started:

Hands-On Lab: Code Quality Scanning
Hands-On Lab: Create A Basic CI Configuration
Hands-On Lab: Defining CI/CD Variables
Hands-On Lab: Display Pipeline Info
Hands-On Lab: Security Scanning

Embrace the full potential of GitLab CI/CD by diving into the hands-on labs and tutorials. They are designed to provide practical experience and a deeper understanding of how to build efficient pipelines.

Remember, the key to mastering GitLab CI/CD is to get familiar with its features and practice by setting up your own pipelines. The extensive documentation and community support make it easier to manage and optimize your CI/CD workflows.

Create Your First GitLab Pipeline

Creating your first GitLab pipeline is a pivotal moment in setting up your CI/CD workflow. GitLab simplifies CI/CD pipelines, automates deployment, and enhances collaboration for efficient and reliable software delivery. To get started, follow these steps:

Open your project in GitLab.
- Navigate to the left sidebar and select your project.
Access the Pipeline Editor.
- Go to Build > Pipeline editor from the sidebar.
- Click the ‘Configure pipeline’ button to start.
Populate the .gitlab-ci.yml.
- Enter your pipeline code and ensure the syntax is correct.
- Use the visualization tool to preview your pipeline’s flow.

Remember, the .gitlab-ci.yml file is the heart of your pipeline configuration. It’s where you define the stages and jobs that make up your pipeline. If you’re new to this, the GitLab documentation is an invaluable resource for syntax and concepts.

By taking these initial steps, you’re laying the groundwork for a robust pipeline that will build, test, and deploy your applications seamlessly.

Once you’ve set up your basic pipeline, you can start to explore more complex configurations and integrate additional features to meet the specific needs of your project.

Deploy a Static Site Through More Complex Pipelines

Deploying a static site with GitLab CI/CD pipelines can be a streamlined process, even when the deployment scenarios get complex. Start by familiarizing yourself with the various Quick Start Templates GitLab offers, such as Hugo, Jekyll, or Gatsby, to kickstart your static site deployment.

To ensure a smooth deployment, follow these steps:

Review the .gitlab-ci.yml keyword reference to understand the pipeline configuration options.
Create your pipeline using the GitLab CI/CD features, incorporating stages for build, test, and deploy.
Implement pipeline conditions to manage different deployment scenarios effectively.
Set up environment variables for your deployment, such as domain names and SSL certificates.

Remember to configure your pipeline to handle cleanup tasks post-deployment, ensuring that your environment remains clutter-free.

It’s crucial to test your GitLab instance thoroughly before going live. This ensures that your static site is deployed correctly and operates as expected in the production environment. By leveraging GitLab’s powerful CI/CD capabilities, you can automate the deployment process, making it both efficient and reliable.

Advanced GitLab Usage

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

Incorporating Static Application Security Testing (SAST) into your development pipeline is a proactive measure to ensure your codebase remains secure. SAST helps identify potential security vulnerabilities before they become a threat in production. By automating the process, you can catch issues early and save valuable time and resources.

To effectively integrate SAST into your CI/CD pipeline, follow these steps:

Choose a SAST tool that integrates well with GitLab.
Configure the tool to scan your code repository during each commit.
Review the generated reports and address the vulnerabilities identified.

Remember, while SAST is powerful, it’s not a silver bullet. It should be part of a comprehensive security strategy that includes manual code reviews and other forms of testing.

When setting up SAST, consider the following aspects to tailor it to your project’s needs:

The programming languages and frameworks used in your project.
The balance between false positives and missed vulnerabilities.
The severity levels of issues that will break the build or require immediate attention.

Merge Code Using GitLab

Merging code in GitLab is a critical step in the collaborative development process. It allows multiple contributors to integrate their work seamlessly. Start by creating a merge request (MR), which is GitLab’s term for a pull request. This initiates a review process where team members can discuss and approve the changes before they are merged into the main branch.

To ensure a smooth merge process, follow these steps:

Verify that Git is installed locally.
Generate and add an SSH key to your GitLab profile.
Clone the repository to your local machine.
Create a new branch and make your changes.
Commit your changes and push them to the GitLab instance.

Remember to frequently sync your branch with the main branch to minimize merge conflicts. When you’re ready, push your commit with the git push command and create your MR in GitLab.

It’s essential to review the MR for any potential issues that could arise during the merge.

Once the MR is approved, you can merge the code using GitLab’s interface. Keep an eye on the CI/CD pipeline to ensure that your changes pass all the necessary checks and tests before deployment.

Work With Git Locally

Working with Git locally is a fundamental skill for any developer using GitLab. Ensure Git is installed on your local machine by opening a terminal and running git version. If you see a version number, you’re ready to go. If not, you’ll need to install Git following the official documentation.

Once Git is set up, generate an SSH key to establish a secure connection between your local machine and GitLab. This is crucial for authenticating your commits and managing access to your repositories. After generating the key, add it to your GitLab profile to enable SSH access.

Cloning a repository is your next step. This action copies all the files from GitLab to your local environment and sets up tracking for future changes.

Here’s a quick checklist for your local Git workflow:

Verify Git installation
Generate and add SSH key to GitLab
Clone the desired repository
Create and switch to branches as needed
Make changes and commit them
Push your commits to update the remote repository

Remember to frequently sync your local repository with GitLab to avoid conflicts and ensure you’re working with the latest codebase.

Troubleshoot GitLab

When you encounter issues with GitLab, it’s crucial to have a systematic approach to troubleshooting. Start by checking the most common areas where problems arise, such as CI/CD pipeline configurations, user permissions, and server security settings. Ensure your server is secured with proper monitoring, logging, and two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.

Remember, effective management of users and permissions is key to maintaining a healthy GitLab environment.

If you’re experiencing issues with GitLab Runners, refer to the GitLab System Administration Hands-on Lab for detailed guidance. For more structured problems, such as custom limits on GitLab.com or Google Cloud credit issues, consult the relevant troubleshooting guides. Here’s a quick checklist to help you get started:

Verify CI/CD pipeline configurations
Monitor test results and deploy code changes
Check server security settings
Manage users and permissions
Consult GitLab troubleshooting documentation

By following these steps, you can identify and resolve most issues efficiently. For more complex problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to the GitLab community or support channels.

Use GitLab Administration Commands

Mastering GitLab administration commands is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient GitLab instance. GitLab simplifies application deployment, access control, and code scanning, providing you with a suite of tools to manage your development lifecycle effectively.

To get started, familiarize yourself with the common commands and their functions:

gitlab-ctl status – Check the status of all GitLab components.
gitlab-ctl reconfigure – Apply configuration changes.
gitlab-ctl restart – Restart all GitLab services.
gitlab-rake gitlab:check – Run a thorough check of the GitLab environment.

Remember, regular maintenance and updates are key to ensuring your GitLab instance runs smoothly and securely.

For more complex tasks, such as configuring instance monitoring or managing logs, refer to the GitLab System Administration Hands-on Labs. These labs provide practical experience and guidance to help you tackle administrative challenges with confidence.

Cleaning Up After Deployment

Delete the Resources You Created

Once your project is complete or if you’re simply done testing, it’s crucial to clean up your environment to avoid unnecessary costs. Ensure that all resources are properly deleted to prevent being billed for services you’re no longer using.

To streamline the cleanup process, follow these steps:

Delete the Docker images you created during the project.
For Kubernetes clusters and Container Registries:
- Manually remove any associated subnets, networks, and service accounts.
- If using Terraform, navigate to your Terraform configuration directory and run terraform plan to review changes before applying them with terraform apply.
Remove the GitLab VM or Managed Service for GitLab instance.

Remember, deleting resources is just as important as creating them. It’s part of good cloud hygiene and cost management. If you’ve used Terraform, the terminal will display a list of resources to be modified, allowing you to review before confirming the deletion.

Be mindful that some resources, especially those created manually, may require additional steps to fully remove them from your cloud environment.

Further Learning and Troubleshooting

GitLab System Administration Hands-on Lab Overview

The GitLab System Administration Hands-on Lab provides a practical approach to mastering the essentials of GitLab administration. Dive into real-world scenarios where you’ll learn to troubleshoot common issues, use GitLab administration commands, and configure GitLab runners.

GitLab administration is not just about keeping the service running; it’s about optimizing your instance for the needs of your team and projects. Configuring GitLab involves managing user access, repositories, CI/CD, and administration for self-hosting. Features include security, analytics, and customization options.

Embrace the opportunity to enhance your GitLab instance through these hands-on labs. You’ll gain the confidence to implement changes and improvements that can significantly impact your team’s productivity.

The labs cover a range of topics, including but not limited to:

Troubleshooting GitLab
Using GitLab administration commands
Configuring instance monitoring
Implementing sign-up restrictions
Managing GitLab logs
Working with the GitLab Container Registry

Each lab is designed to build upon the last, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of GitLab’s capabilities.

Auto DevOps With a Predefined Project Template

Leveraging Auto DevOps with a predefined project template in GitLab can significantly streamline your deployment process. By using templates, you can ensure consistency and save time by not having to write common pipeline configurations from scratch. Templates also promote best practices across all your projects.

To get started, select a predefined template that suits your project’s needs. Here’s a simple checklist to follow:

Choose a template that aligns with your deployment strategy.
Customize the template to fit your specific requirements.
Integrate the template into your .gitlab-ci.yml file.
Validate the pipeline configuration to ensure it works as expected.

Remember, a well-defined template can be the backbone of your CI/CD pipeline, making it robust and easier to maintain.

Templates are not just about convenience; they’re about creating a solid foundation for your DevOps workflow. With GitLab’s extensive library of templates, you’re well-equipped to handle a variety of deployment scenarios efficiently.

Partner Facilitator Guide for GitLab with Git Essentials

The Partner Facilitator Guide for GitLab with Git Essentials is an invaluable resource for those looking to lead GitLab training sessions. It provides a comprehensive overview of the course content, methodologies, and best practices for delivering effective training.

Ensure your facilitators are well-prepared by leveraging this guide, which includes detailed delivery checklists, insights into positioning professional services, and a deep dive into both pre-sales and post-sales processes.

The guide also outlines the technical stack required for Thought Industries LMS, ensuring a seamless integration and delivery of GitLab technical certifications.

For a hands-on experience, facilitators can refer to the ‘GitLab with Git Essentials – Hands-on Lab: Work With Git Locally‘ to walk through lab exercises that are part of the course. This practical approach solidifies understanding and enhances teaching techniques.

Continuous Deployment of Containerized Applications

Log in to Managed Service for GitLab

Accessing your Managed Service for GitLab is the first step towards setting up your environment for continuous integration and deployment. Log in to the Managed Service for GitLab instance web interface to kickstart the process. Here’s how you can get started:

Navigate to the Managed Service for GitLab instance web interface.
Use your credentials to log in and reach the dashboard.

Once logged in, you’re ready to create projects and configure your CI/CD pipeline. Remember, a successful login ensures that you have the necessary permissions to perform subsequent actions.

Ensure that your Managed Service for GitLab instance is properly configured with a public IP and security settings before proceeding.

Next, you’ll want to set up your project. Click ‘Create a project’ and select ‘Create blank project’. Fill in the details such as Project name and Project URL, using the Managed Service for GitLab instance FQDN. Keep the default settings for other fields and create your project.

With your project set up, you’re now poised to push your application code and harness GitLab’s capabilities for automating build, test, and deployment processes.

Create a Project and Configure It

Once you’ve logged into GitLab, it’s time to set up your project repository. Start by clicking on the ‘New Project’ button. You’ll want to select the ‘Blank Project’ option, providing a name for your project which will also define your project slug. Remember, the slug becomes part of your repository’s URL, so choose wisely.

For security and privacy, consider setting the Visibility Level to private, especially if your repository will contain sensitive data or paid products. After filling in the necessary details, click ‘Create project’ to proceed.

Configuring your project correctly from the outset is crucial for a smooth CI/CD process with GitLab.

Next, you’ll need to configure SSH keys to ensure secure operations like clone, pull, and push. This step is essential for automating your deployments and integrating with Docker for container management. Once your SSH keys are in place, you can move on to creating your .gitlab-ci.yml file, which is the blueprint for your CI/CD pipeline.

Deploy Using Helm Chart

Deploying your application with Helm charts streamlines the process, ensuring consistency and reliability across environments. Helm charts package all the necessary components of your application into a single deployable unit. To deploy the GitLab-Omnibus Helm chart on Kubernetes, you’ll need to follow these steps:

Ensure you have access to a Kubernetes cluster and that your kubeconfig file is properly configured.
Import the necessary Pulumi and Kubernetes packages.
Define a new Helm chart resource, specifying the GitLab Omnibus chart and its settings.
Customize the Helm chart deployment using the values property if needed.
Deploy the Helm chart into the specified namespace in your Kubernetes cluster.

Remember, the deployment process can vary depending on your specific cloud provider and Kubernetes setup. Adjust the repositoryOpts to where your target Helm chart is located. After deployment, use the export statements to output the cluster name and the status of the Helm release. This information is crucial for monitoring and verifying the success of your deployment.

The export statements are particularly useful for obtaining status information post-deployment. They allow you to track the Helm release and ensure everything is running as expected.

Check Your GitLab Installation

After deploying GitLab using Helm charts or an Omnibus package, it’s crucial to verify that your installation is functioning correctly. Navigate to the IP or hostname provided by the gitlabEndpoint stack export to access your GitLab instance. If you encounter any issues, refer to the GitLab System Administration hands-on labs for troubleshooting steps.

Ensure that you can log in to the GitLab instance and that all services are running as expected.

For a more detailed verification, check the configuration files and logs. The Omnibus package places configuration files in a specific directory, which you should familiarize yourself with for future maintenance. Additionally, managing GitLab logs effectively is key to diagnosing any problems that may arise.

Remember, understanding the code and commands you execute is essential. Never hesitate to ask for clarification or assistance if something is not clear.

Continuous Integration with GitLab

Building an Application into a Docker Container

Building your application into a Docker container is a crucial step in the CI/CD pipeline with GitLab. Start by adding a Dockerfile to your project repository; this file contains all the necessary instructions to build your application’s image. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:

Log in to GitLab and navigate to your repository.
Go to the Repository → Files section.
Create a new file named Dockerfile.
Fill the Dockerfile with your application’s specifications.
Commit the Dockerfile with an appropriate commit message.

Once your Dockerfile is in place, GitLab’s automated processes take over. With each commit, a script runs to build the Docker image and deploy it, if necessary. This automation is part of what makes GitLab so powerful for software development, ensuring faster feedback cycles and high-quality software delivery.

Remember, automated testing is key to verifying the functionality and reliability of your code before it goes into production.

By following these steps, you set the stage for a smooth deployment process that leverages the benefits of containerization.

Deploying from a Container in a Kubernetes Cluster

Deploying your application from a container in a Kubernetes cluster is a critical step in the CI/CD pipeline. Ensure your Docker images are built correctly and pushed to a registry before proceeding with deployment. Use the docker build and docker push commands in your .gitlab-ci.yml file to automate this process.

Warning: For production environments, it’s crucial to secure your Kubernetes cluster. Restrict service account access to only push Docker images and create a separate account with the container-registry.images.pusher role for deployment.

Once your images are ready, configure kubectl to interact with your Kubernetes cluster. Here’s a basic script snippet for your CI pipeline:

deploy:
  image: gcr.io/cloud-builders/kubectl:latest
  stage: deploy
  script:
    - kubectl config set-cluster k8s --server="$KUBE_URL" --insecure-skip-tls-verify=true
    - kubectl config set-credentials admin --token="$KUBE_TOKEN"
    - kubectl config set-context default --cluster=k8s --user=admin

Remember to replace the placeholders with your actual cluster information. Automate deployments with GitLab to save time, ensure consistency, and streamline your DevOps workflow.

Running Scripts After Each Commit

Automating tasks after each commit can significantly streamline your development workflow. By configuring your .gitlab-ci.yml file, you can ensure that scripts are executed automatically, providing immediate feedback on the changes made. This automation is a cornerstone of the CI/CD process, allowing for continuous integration and deployment without manual intervention.

To set up scripts to run after each commit, follow these steps:

Define the stages in your .gitlab-ci.yml file, such as build, test, and deploy.
Under each stage, specify the script keyword followed by the commands you want to execute.
Use conditional statements within the script to perform actions based on the commit message or other variables.

For example, to apply Kubernetes configurations:

stage: deploy
script:
  - kubectl config use-context ${CI_PROJECT_PATH}:<GitLab_Agent_name>
  - cat k8s.yaml | sed -e "s,__VERSION__,${CI_REGISTRY}/${CI_PROJECT_PATH}:${CI_COMMIT_SHORT_SHA}," | kubectl apply -f -

Remember to replace <GitLab_Agent_name> with the actual name of your GitLab agent in Managed Service for GitLab.

By leveraging the power of GitLab’s CI/CD features, you can create a robust pipeline that reacts to every commit, ensuring that your application is always in a deployable state. For more detailed guides on using GitLab and troubleshooting tips, our website page focuses on GitLab features, CI/CD, DevOps, and integration with tools like Jenkins and Visual Studio.

Tutorials and Hands-on Labs

GitLab with Git Essentials – Hands-on Labs

The GitLab with Git Essentials hands-on labs provide a practical approach to mastering the essentials of GitLab. These labs are designed to enhance your understanding through real-world scenarios and exercises.

Build your skills with a series of labs that cover everything from creating a project to configuring Static Application Security Testing (SAST). Each lab is structured to give you hands-on experience with GitLab’s features and workflows.

Create and configure a .gitlab-ci.yml file
Work with Git locally to understand version control
Merge code using GitLab’s powerful merge request feature
Explore Auto DevOps with a predefined project template

Remember, practice is key to proficiency. These labs are estimated to take about 45 minutes each, providing a focused learning experience without a significant time commitment.