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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install GitLab on Ubuntu 20.04

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GitLab is a popular tool for managing Git repositories and collaborating on software development. It offers a lot of features like issue tracking, code review, and continuous integration. This guide will help you install GitLab Community Edition (CE) on an Ubuntu 20.04 server step by step.

Key Takeaways

  • Updating your system packages is the first step to ensure everything runs smoothly.
  • Installing the necessary dependencies is crucial before adding the GitLab repository.
  • Configuring GitLab involves setting the external URL and reconfiguring the application.
  • Securing GitLab with HTTPS is important for protecting data during transmission.
  • Regular backups and updates are essential for maintaining your GitLab instance.

Preparing Your Ubuntu 20.04 Server

Updating System Packages

First things first, let’s make sure your system is up-to-date. Open your terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

This will refresh your package list and install the latest versions of your installed packages. Keeping your system updated ensures you have the latest security patches and features.

Installing Required Dependencies

Next, you’ll need to install some essential packages that GitLab relies on. Run the following command:

sudo apt install -y curl openssh-server ca-certificates tzdata perl

These packages include tools for secure communication, time zone data, and more. If prompted during the installation, choose ‘Internet Site’ for Postfix configuration and enter your server’s domain name.

Setting Up a Domain Name

For GitLab to work smoothly, you need a domain name pointed to your server’s IP address. This makes it easier to access your GitLab instance. If you don’t have a domain name yet, you can get one from providers like GoDaddy or Namecheap. Once you have it, update your DNS settings to point to your server’s public IP.

Pro Tip: Use a subdomain like gitlab.yourdomain.com for a cleaner setup.

With your system updated, dependencies installed, and domain name set up, you’re now ready to move on to adding the GitLab repository.

Adding the GitLab Repository

In this section, we’ll walk you through adding the GitLab repository to your Ubuntu 20.04 server. This is a crucial step to ensure you can install and update GitLab easily.

Installing GitLab CE

Running the GitLab Installation Script

First, you need to run the GitLab installation script. This script will download and set up all necessary components for GitLab. Open your terminal and execute the following command:

curl -s https://packages.gitlab.com/install/repositories/gitlab/gitlab-ce/script.deb.sh | sudo bash

This command will add the GitLab repository to your system and update your package list.

Installing GitLab CE Package

Now that the repository is added, you can install the GitLab CE package. Run the following command to install it:

sudo apt-get install gitlab-ce

This will download and install the GitLab Community Edition on your server. Make sure your DNS is set up correctly before proceeding.

Starting GitLab for the First Time

Once the installation is complete, you need to start GitLab. Use the following command to start the GitLab services:

sudo gitlab-ctl reconfigure

This command will configure and start all the necessary GitLab services. You can check the status of the services by running:

sudo gitlab-ctl status

Your GitLab instance should now be up and running. You can access it via the URL you set during the configuration.

Configuring GitLab

Now that GitLab is installed, it’s time to configure it to suit your needs. This section will guide you through the essential steps to get your GitLab instance up and running smoothly.

Securing GitLab with HTTPS

Obtaining SSL Certificates

To keep your GitLab instance safe, you need SSL certificates. These certificates encrypt the data between your server and users. Let’s Encrypt offers free SSL certificates, making it a popular choice. To get started, install the Let’s Encrypt client tool with the following command:

apt-get install letsencrypt -y

Configuring GitLab to Use HTTPS

After getting your SSL certificates, you need to configure GitLab to use them. Open the GitLab configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb

Find the external_url line and update it to use https:

external_url 'https://your_domain'

Next, enable Let’s Encrypt by adding or updating these lines:

letsencrypt['enable'] = true
letsencrypt['contact_emails'] = ['your_email@example.com']
letsencrypt['auto_renew'] = true

Save and close the file. Then, reconfigure GitLab with:

sudo gitlab-ctl reconfigure

Verifying HTTPS Setup

Once you’ve configured GitLab, it’s time to check if everything is working. Open your web browser and go to your GitLab URL using https. You should see a secure connection icon in the address bar. If you encounter any issues, double-check your configuration settings.

Ensuring your GitLab instance is secured with HTTPS is crucial for protecting your data and maintaining user trust.

Accessing and Using GitLab

Logging into the GitLab Web Interface

Once GitLab is installed and configured, you can access it by opening your web browser and navigating to http://<your-server-hostname-or-ip>. You’ll be greeted with a login screen. Use the default root username and the password stored in /etc/gitlab/initial_root_password. Make sure to change this password after your first login for security reasons.

Creating Your First Project

After logging in, you’ll land on the GitLab dashboard. To create a new project, click on the New Project button. Fill in the project name, description, and visibility level. Click Create Project to finalize. Your project is now ready for you to start adding files and collaborating with your team.

Managing Users and Permissions

To add users to your project, navigate to the Members section in your project settings. Enter the email addresses of the users you want to invite and assign them roles like Guest, Reporter, Developer, Maintainer, or Owner. This helps in managing who can do what within your project.

Remember, managing permissions effectively is key to maintaining a secure and efficient workflow.

With these steps, you’re now ready to start using GitLab for your projects. Happy coding!

Maintaining Your GitLab Instance

installing GitLab on Ubuntu

Regular Backups

Keeping regular backups of your GitLab instance is crucial. Use the command sudo gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create to create a backup. By default, backups are stored in /var/opt/gitlab/backups. You can change this path by editing the GitLab configuration file at /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb. For example, to store backups in /mnt/backups, update the file with gitlab_rails['backup_path'] = '/mnt/backups' and then run gitlab-ctl reconfigure.

To automate backups, create a cron job. Here’s an example to run backups at 3 AM from Tuesday to Saturday:

0 3 * * 2-6 sudo gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create

Updating GitLab

Regular updates ensure your GitLab instance has the latest features and security patches. To update GitLab, first, update your package list:

sudo apt-get update

Then, upgrade GitLab with:

sudo apt-get install gitlab-ce

After the update, reconfigure GitLab to apply the changes:

sudo gitlab-ctl reconfigure

Monitoring System Performance

Monitoring your GitLab instance helps you keep track of its performance and health. Use the command gitlab-ctl status to check the status of GitLab services. You should see a list of running services and their statuses.

For more detailed monitoring, consider integrating GitLab with monitoring tools like Prometheus and Grafana. These tools provide insights into system performance, resource usage, and potential issues.

Tip: Regular monitoring and maintenance help prevent unexpected downtimes and performance issues.

By following these steps, you can ensure your GitLab instance remains secure, up-to-date, and performs optimally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GitLab?

GitLab is an open-source tool used to host and manage Git repositories. It offers features like issue tracking, code review, and continuous integration and deployment.

What are the system requirements to install GitLab on Ubuntu 20.04?

You need a server running Ubuntu 20.04, at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended), 20 GB of disk space, and a valid domain name pointed to your server.

How do I update my system packages before installing GitLab?

You can update your system packages by running the commands: ‘sudo apt update’ and ‘sudo apt upgrade -y’.

How do I add the GitLab repository to my Ubuntu system?

First, download the GitLab GPG key using ‘curl -sS https://packages.gitlab.com/gitlab/gitlab-ce/gpgkey | sudo apt-key add -‘. Then, add the repository by running ‘sudo curl -sS https://packages.gitlab.com/install/repositories/gitlab/gitlab-ce/script.deb.sh | sudo bash’.

How do I configure GitLab to use HTTPS?

You need to obtain SSL certificates, which can be done using Let’s Encrypt. Then, configure GitLab to use HTTPS by editing the GitLab configuration file and reconfiguring GitLab.

How do I access the GitLab web interface for the first time?

Open a web browser and go to the external URL you set during the configuration. Log in with the default credentials provided, and you can start using GitLab.

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