Installation and Setup - GitLab Tutorial

Installing and setting up GitLab is the first step to take advantage of its powerful features for version control and collaboration. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of installing and setting up GitLab on your system.

Step 1: Install Dependencies

Before installing GitLab, ensure that your system meets the following dependencies:

Linux operating system (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS)
Git (version 2.24 or higher)
PostgreSQL database (version 11 or higher)
Redis (version 4 or higher)
OpenSSL (version 1.1.1 or higher)

Install the dependencies using the package manager specific to your Linux distribution. For example, on Ubuntu, you can use the following commands:


$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install -y git postgresql redis-server libssl-dev

Step 2: Download and Install GitLab

Once the dependencies are installed, you can proceed with downloading and installing GitLab. The recommended method is using the official GitLab package repository. Follow these steps:

Step 2.1: Add GitLab Repository

Add the GitLab package repository by running the following command:


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

Step 2.2: Install GitLab

Install GitLab using the package manager:


$ sudo apt install gitlab-ce

Step 3: Configure GitLab

After installation, you need to configure GitLab to customize its settings. The configuration file for GitLab is located at /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb. Open the file in a text editor and make the necessary changes. Some important configurations include:

Setting the external URL of GitLab
Configuring SMTP settings for email notifications
Customizing storage options

Save the configuration file after making the changes.

Step 4: Start and Access GitLab

Once GitLab is configured, start the GitLab service using the following command:


$ sudo gitlab-ctl reconfigure

After the service starts, you can access GitLab by navigating to the external URL you configured earlier using a web browser. The first time you access GitLab, you will be prompted to set the admin password.

Common Mistakes during Installation and Setup

Skipping or missing dependency installations.
Incorrectly configuring the GitLab external URL, leading to connection issues.
Not properly configuring SMTP settings, resulting in email notification failures.
Forgetting to run gitlab-ctl reconfigure after making configuration changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I install GitLab on a Windows machine?

Yes, you can install GitLab on Windows using a virtual machine or Docker. However, it is recommended to use a Linux distribution for optimal performance and stability.
Can I use an external PostgreSQL or Redis database?

Yes, you can configure GitLab to use external PostgreSQL or Redis databases by modifying the /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb configuration file.
Can I change the GitLab installation directory?

By default, GitLab is installed in the /opt/gitlab directory. You can modify the installation directory by adjusting the configuration in the /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb file.

Summary

Installing and setting up GitLab is a crucial step to leverage its powerful features for version control and collaboration. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can successfully install GitLab on your system, configure it according to your requirements, and start using GitLab for efficient software development.