Step-by-Step Guide: How to Update GitLab

Updating GitLab can seem tricky, but this guide will walk you through it step-by-step. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, you’ll find the instructions easy to follow. Keep your GitLab running smoothly and securely by following these steps.

Key Takeaways

• Always check your current GitLab version before starting an update.
• Backing up your data is crucial to avoid losing important information.
• Carefully read the GitLab release notes to know what changes to expect.
• Use the official update script to make the process easier and more reliable.
• Don’t forget to restart GitLab services and run health checks after updating.

Running the Update Script

Updating GitLab can be a breeze if you follow the right steps. Here’s how to run the update script effectively.

Manual Backup Procedures

Creating a Manual Backup

Before you start any update, it’s crucial to create a manual backup of your GitLab instance. This ensures you can restore your data if something goes wrong. Use the following command to create a backup:

sudo gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create

This command will save the backup to the /var/opt/gitlab/backups/ directory. Always verify that the backup file is created successfully.

Backing Up Configuration Files

Backing up the GitLab secrets file is required to avoid complicated steps when recovering GitLab from backup. The secrets file is stored at /etc/gitlab/gitlab-secrets.json. Copy this file to a secure location:

sudo cp /etc/gitlab/gitlab-secrets.json /path/to/backup/

Don’t forget to also back up your configuration file located at /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb.

Storing Backups Securely

Once you have your backups, store them in a secure and reliable location. Consider using cloud storage or an external hard drive. Make sure the storage location is not on the same server as your GitLab instance to prevent data loss in case of server failure.

• Cloud Storage: Services like AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, or Azure Blob Storage.
• External Drives: USB drives, external SSDs, or network-attached storage (NAS).

It’s always a good idea to have multiple backup copies in different locations to ensure data safety.

Installing the New GitLab Version

Using Package Managers for Installation

To install the new GitLab version, you can use package managers like apt for Debian/Ubuntu or yum for CentOS/RHEL. This method is straightforward and ensures you get the latest updates directly from the GitLab repository.

1. For Debian/Ubuntu:

   sudo apt-get update
   sudo apt-get install gitlab-ce
   

2. For CentOS/RHEL:

   sudo yum install gitlab-ce
   

Specifying the Desired Version

Sometimes, you might need to install a specific version of GitLab. This is useful if you want to avoid potential issues with the latest release.

1. Find your current version:

   sudo apt-cache policy gitlab-ce | grep Installed
   

   or

   sudo rpm -q gitlab-ce
   

2. Install the specific version:

   sudo apt-get install gitlab-ce=<version>
   

   or

   sudo yum install gitlab-ce-<version>
   

Handling Installation Errors

If you encounter errors during installation, don’t panic. Here are some common solutions:

• Check your internet connection: Ensure your server can reach the GitLab repository.
• Clear package cache: Sometimes, clearing the cache can resolve issues.

  sudo apt-get clean
  sudo yum clean all
  

• Review error messages: They often provide clues on what went wrong.

If problems persist, consider seeking help from GitLab support or community forums.

After installing the new version, remember to restart GitLab services to apply the changes:

sudo gitlab-ctl restart

Post-Update Checks

Restarting GitLab Services

After updating, the first step is to restart GitLab services. This ensures all new configurations are loaded properly. Use the command sudo gitlab-ctl restart to restart all services. This step is crucial to avoid any unexpected issues.

Running Health Checks

Next, run health checks to confirm everything is working as expected. Use sudo gitlab-rake gitlab:check to perform a general check. This command will help you identify any potential problems early on.

Verifying Component Status

Finally, verify the status of all GitLab components. Check that users can sign in, view projects, and access issues and merge requests. Make sure runners pick up jobs and Docker images can be pushed and pulled. This step ensures that your GitLab instance is fully operational after the update.

If you have upgraded to 17.0.0 from 15.11 and now no runner works, double-check your configurations and logs for any errors.

Handling Special Cases

Dealing with Background Migrations

Background migrations can be tricky. They run in the background and can take a while to complete. Always check if any are pending before starting your update. Use the command gitlab-rake db:migrate:status to see the status. If there are pending migrations, let them finish first.

Managing CI/CD Pipelines

CI/CD pipelines might be running during your update. It’s best to pause them to avoid any conflicts. Go to your project settings and disable the pipelines temporarily. Once the update is done, you can enable them again. This ensures that no jobs fail due to the update process.

Addressing Elasticsearch Compatibility

Elasticsearch versions can sometimes be incompatible with new GitLab updates. Check the GitLab release notes for any Elasticsearch version requirements. If needed, update Elasticsearch before updating GitLab. This will help you avoid any search-related issues post-update.

Tip: Always keep a backup of your Elasticsearch data before making any changes. This can save you a lot of trouble if something goes wrong.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Identifying Common Errors

When updating GitLab, you might run into some common errors. These can include issues like failed migrations, service downtime, or unexpected behavior in the application. Check the logs for any error messages and refer to the GitLab documentation for specific error codes. If you deployed GitLab using the official Docker image, make sure your Docker version is compatible with the new GitLab version.

Rolling Back to Previous Version

If the update doesn’t go as planned, you might need to roll back to the previous version. First, stop the GitLab services. Then, restore your backup files. This will bring your GitLab instance back to its previous state. Always keep a recent backup before starting any update process.

Seeking Help from GitLab Support

Sometimes, you might need extra help. GitLab Support is there for you. Open a support ticket and provide all the necessary details, including error logs and steps you’ve already taken. This will help the support team assist you more efficiently.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to check the GitLab forums and community for similar issues. You might find that someone else has already solved the problem you’re facing.

Upgrading GitLab Runners and Agents

Updating GitLab Runners

After updating GitLab, it’s crucial to upgrade your runners to match the new version. This ensures compatibility and smooth operation. Don’t skip this step; outdated runners can cause unexpected issues.

1. Stop your runners: Before starting the upgrade, pause all running jobs to avoid interruptions.
2. Download the latest runner: Get the newest version from the official GitLab repository.
3. Install the update: Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.
4. Restart your runners: Once updated, restart them to apply the changes.

Upgrading Kubernetes Agents

If you have Kubernetes clusters connected with GitLab, you need to upgrade your GitLab agents for Kubernetes. This step is essential to maintain compatibility with the new GitLab version.

1. Check current agent version: Ensure you know which version you’re running.
2. Download the latest agent: Get the newest version from the GitLab repository.
3. Update the agent: Follow the specific instructions for your Kubernetes setup.
4. Verify the update: Make sure the agent is running the latest version.

Ensuring Compatibility with New Version

After upgrading both runners and agents, it’s important to verify their compatibility with the new GitLab version. This helps in identifying any potential issues early.

• Run compatibility tests: Use GitLab’s built-in tools to check for any issues.
• Monitor performance: Keep an eye on the runners and agents to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
• Address issues promptly: If you encounter any problems, refer to the GitLab documentation or seek help from the community.

Upgrading your GitLab runners and agents is a critical step in ensuring a smooth and efficient CI/CD pipeline. Make sure to follow these steps carefully to avoid any disruptions.

Keeping your GitLab Runners and Agents up-to-date is crucial for maintaining smooth and efficient workflows. Regular updates ensure you have the latest features and security patches. Don’t miss out on optimizing your development process. Visit our website to learn more about how to upgrade your GitLab tools easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my current GitLab version?

To find out which GitLab version you’re using, run the command `sudo gitlab-rake gitlab:env:info` on your GitLab server. This will show you detailed information about your GitLab environment.

Why should I back up my data before updating GitLab?

Backing up your data is important because it ensures you won’t lose any information if something goes wrong during the update. It’s always better to be safe and have a backup ready.

How do I manually create a backup in GitLab?

You can manually create a backup by running the command `sudo gitlab-backup create`. Don’t forget to also back up your configuration files located at `/etc/gitlab/gitlab-secrets.json` and `/etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb`.

What should I do if I encounter an error during the GitLab update?

If you run into problems while updating, you can try rolling back to the previous version. You can also seek help from GitLab Support or check the GitLab forums for solutions.

How can I make sure all components are working after the update?

After updating, restart GitLab services using `sudo gitlab-ctl restart` and run health checks with `sudo gitlab-rake gitlab:check`. This will help you verify that all components are functioning correctly.

Is it necessary to update GitLab Runners and Kubernetes agents after updating GitLab?

Yes, it’s important to update your GitLab Runners and Kubernetes agents to ensure they are compatible with the new GitLab version. This helps maintain smooth operations and compatibility.