How to Set Up a CI/CD Pipeline with GitLab: A Beginner's Guide

#gitlab#devops#beginners#webdev

Introduction to CI/CD and GitLab

In modern software development, Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) are essential practices. CI involves automatically integrating code changes into a shared repository multiple times a day, while CD focuses on deploying the integrated code to production automatically. These practices help ensure high software quality and faster release cycles.

GitLab is a comprehensive DevOps platform that integrates source control, CI/CD, and other DevOps tools. This guide will walk you through setting up a simple CI/CD pipeline on GitLab, perfect for beginners and intermediate users.

Prerequisites and Setup

Tools Needed:

• GitLab Account: Sign up at GitLab.
• Git Installed: Download and install Git from Git's official site.

Basic Knowledge Required:

• Basic understanding of Git commands.
• Familiarity with GitLab's interface.

Creating a GitLab Repository

1. Log In to GitLab:

• Go to GitLab and log in with your credentials.

2. Create a New Project:

• Click on the "New Project" button.
• Select "Create blank project".
• Fill in the project name (e.g., MyFirstPipeline), description (optional), and set the visibility level.
• Click "Create project".

3. Clone the Repository:

• Copy the HTTPS clone URL from the GitLab repository page.
• Open your terminal and run:

4. Add Initial Files:

• Create a simple application or add existing files to the repository.
• For example, create an index.html file for a static website:

5. Commit and Push the Changes:

• Add the file to your repository:

Writing a .gitlab-ci.yml File

The .gitlab-ci.yml file defines the stages, jobs, and scripts for your CI/CD pipeline. Here's a simple configuration:

** Create the .gitlab-ci.yml File**:

• In the root directory of your project, create a file named .gitlab-ci.yml.
• Open the file and add the following content:

** Commit and Push the Changes**:

• Add the file to your repository:

Running and Monitoring the Pipeline

1. Trigger the Pipeline: The pipeline will automatically trigger when you push the .gitlab-ci.yml file.
2. Monitor the Pipeline:
3. Check Job Logs:

Full Article here:

https://dev.to/arbythecoder/how-to-set-up-a-cicd-pipeline-with-gitlab-a-beginners-guide-46b9