I use the tool for deployment.
Salesforce Release Engineer at Cognizant
Helps to integrate CI/CD pipeline deployments and has good security model
Pros and Cons
- "The tool helps to integrate CI/CD pipeline deployments. It is very easy to learn. Its security model is good."
- "GitLab could consider introducing a code-scanning tool. Purchasing such tools from external markets can incur charges, which might not be favorable. Integrating these features into GitLab would streamline the pipeline and make it more convenient for users."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The tool helps to integrate CI/CD pipeline deployments. It is very easy to learn. Its security model is good.
What needs improvement?
GitLab could consider introducing a code-scanning tool. Purchasing such tools from external markets can incur charges, which might not be favorable. Integrating these features into GitLab would streamline the pipeline and make it more convenient for users.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with the product for six years.
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GitLab
December 2024
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I haven't encountered any bugs in GitLab.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
In our company, I estimate that around 30 people use GitLab, primarily for branching and repository management.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Our organization decided to use GitLab because it's easy to use, and its user interface is more intuitive than other tools.
How was the initial setup?
The tool's deployment is easy.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend using GitLab. It provides a repository and API, allowing you to create deployment pipelines. I rate it a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Mar 22, 2024
Flag as inappropriateSoftware Test Manager at ASELSAN
Complete solution for issue management and CI/CD, with a great UI
Pros and Cons
- "The most important features of GitLab for us are issue management and all the CI/CD tools. Another aspect that I love about GitLab is the UI."
- "For as long as I have used GitLab, I haven't encountered any major limitations. However, I think that perhaps the search functionality could be better."
What is our primary use case?
In some of the projects we are involved with, we use GitLab for the purposes of issue management and as a configuration management tool. Along with GitLab, we also use the core Jira software for issue management functionality, as well as GitLab Runner for its CI/CD tools.
Our internet connection runs on a different infrastructure to the greater internet system, so we are using on-premises versions of all these solutions. Because nothing is cloud-based, we don't need much in the way of firewall or security solutions.
What is most valuable?
The most important features of GitLab for us are issue management and all the CI/CD tools. Another aspect that I love about GitLab is the UI.
What needs improvement?
For as long as I have used GitLab, I haven't encountered any major limitations. However, I think that perhaps the search functionality could be better.
The main shortcoming is that with some parts of GitLab, things can get quite complex. Especially in the beginning, the learning curve can be a bit steep and it takes some time to learn how to use the tools. That said, once you understand the mentality of it, it becomes easy.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using GitLab for about five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We have had no instability issues with GitLab. When it comes to maintenance, we have IT departments that deal with that, and I am not directly involved in the maintenance of the tools themselves so I don't know if it's difficult to maintain or not.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We haven't yet tried to scale it past the 100 or so users in my organization.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We haven't used any other similar solution before GitLab.
How was the initial setup?
In some areas, the initial stages of using GitLab can be complex and presents a steep learning curve. It takes some time to learn and use all the tools properly, but once you understand the mentality behind it, it is not that difficult.
What about the implementation team?
We didn't implement GitLab ourselves as we have IT departments that take care of that process. I am unsure as to whether they used any external consultants or deployed it themselves, however.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
In total, I believe we have more than 300 licenses spread over about 100 users, though I can't comment on the costs involved.
What other advice do I have?
GitLab is a wholly complete solution and it is for this reason that I can recommend it to other users.
I would rate GitLab a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
GitLab
December 2024
Learn what your peers think about GitLab. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2024.
823,795 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Software Test Manager at ASELSAN
Optimize coding processes with efficient CI/CD while exploring AI integration
Pros and Cons
- "The CI/CD process is very efficient."
- "GitLab has better support, and its features are superior compared to Jenkins."
- "I would like to see AI support in GitLab."
What is our primary use case?
We are using GitLab for source code configuration and for CI/CD processes.
What is most valuable?
The CI/CD process is very efficient. We are utilizing the pipelines extensively and gaining significant benefits from GitLab.
What needs improvement?
We are not using the AI process yet, however, I would like to see AI support in GitLab. Maybe it already does. I am not sure how it supports AI processes.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using GitLab for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
GitLab supports us very well.
How are customer service and support?
We do not have any direct technical support from GitLab. We ask questions to our IT department, and they may seek external support if needed.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have just tried Jenkins. We are using GitLab. GitLab has better support, and its features are superior compared to Jenkins.
What about the implementation team?
The initial setup was handled by our IT department.
What was our ROI?
GitLab is a cost-saving tool and is particularly effective for coding processes.
What other advice do I have?
I do not have any recommendations or suggestions. I rate GitLab a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Dec 9, 2024
Flag as inappropriateCloud architect at DTech Cloud
Works as a source code manager or version control manager
Pros and Cons
- "In our software development lifecycle, GitLab is used as a component for code repository management. We use GitLab for several projects to handle code repositories. For other software projects, we use Bitbucket, but the use case for both is very similar."
- "In the next release, I would like to see GitLab expand its integration capabilities to include platforms like DigitalOcean, which developers widely use for cloud infrastructure. Enhancing CI/CD automation features specifically tailored for DigitalOcean would be beneficial."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution as a source code manager or version control manager.
What is most valuable?
In our software development lifecycle, GitLab is used as a component for code repository management. We use GitLab for several projects to handle code repositories. For other software projects, we use Bitbucket, but the use case for both is very similar.
Many global users prefer GitLab for its enhanced pipeline automation for CI/CD features. It stands out among source code managers due to its parent-child pipeline feature. If users want to leverage this feature, they should consider using it. It’s not the only platform with this capability, but GitLab excels in automating many operations and offers integration with other platforms.
The solution supports platforms like Azure, GCP, and AWS. This capability makes it a preferred choice, even though other platforms also offer similar integration features. Additionally, GitLab’s tendency to be independent of ownership by another major company makes it an attractive option for many developers who prefer cloud usage
The tool's UI is good.
What needs improvement?
In the next release, I would like to see GitLab expand its integration capabilities to include platforms like DigitalOcean, which developers widely use for cloud infrastructure. Enhancing CI/CD automation features specifically tailored for DigitalOcean would be beneficial.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with the product for more than six months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The product is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
The tool's technical support is great.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is free.
What other advice do I have?
I rate the overall product an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Jul 17, 2024
Flag as inappropriateUsed for source code maintenance and provides user-friendly interface for code review and pull requests
Pros and Cons
- "We have seen a couple of merge requests or pull requests raised in GitLab. I see the interface, the way it shows the difference between the two source codes, that it is easy for anyone to do the review and then accept the request; the pull request is the valuable feature."
- "We have only seen a couple of issues on Gitlab, which we use for building some of the applications."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case is for source code maintenance, then doing the build and running code coverage tools like SonarQube, and then deployment.
What is most valuable?
We have seen a couple of merge requests or pull requests raised in GitLab. I see the interface, the way it shows the difference between the two source codes, that it is easy for anyone to do the review and then accept the request; the pull request is the valuable feature.
What needs improvement?
We have only seen a couple of times on Gitlab, which we use for building some of the applications. Recently, we have heard that some of the builds were taking a long time or were not scheduled. In such cases, they had to contact the GitLab community or the GitLab organization to address these issues.
So, there is room for improvement in regard to the issues with build times.
In future releases, additional features could be added in post-deployment monitoring. Currently, GitLab supports CI/CD up to deployment. Anything that would assist in monitoring deployments, especially in the context of Kubernetes or Docker, would be valuable. It may not be necessary for enterprise-level use, but for midrange organizations, integrating post-deployment monitoring of infrastructures and generating reports could be beneficial.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for three years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution offers good stability. However, sometimes we do see some issues due to upgrades and patches. But a couple of times, we have seen build issues where it takes a long time, or it gets stuck, and people have to manually restart those.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution in our environment. We have over a thousand end users.
How are customer service and support?
The support is very good.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Earlier, we were using Atlassian products, and then we shifted to GitLab.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment is handled by a different team. For maintenance, we get good support from GitLab. For any production issues, we hear that we get good support from GitLab. That is something good.
What other advice do I have?
My advice would be it's a very good tool for developers, especially those spread across the globe. It has a very good interface for any pull request or code review. The CI/CD pipeline is also easily built in, so we can easily build and deploy it into various environments. So that eases the developer's and the production ops team's life.
Overall, I would rate the solution a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
DevOps/Cloud Lead at a comms service provider with 1-10 employees
With a comprehensive and flexible CI/CD engine, this is the leading solution in the market right now
Pros and Cons
- "Their CI/CD engine is very mature. It's very comprehensive and flexible, and compared to other projects, I believe that GitLab is number one right now from that perspective."
- "I don't really like the new Kubernetes integration because it is pretty focused on the on-premise environment, but we're in a hybrid environment."
What is our primary use case?
There are two primary functions. The first function is a Git-compliant source code repository, and the second function is a full-fledged CI/CD platform.
What is most valuable?
The CI/CD functionality as a whole is pretty helpful and nice to have. Their CI/CD engine is very mature. It's very comprehensive and flexible, and compared to other projects, I believe that GitLab is number one right now from that perspective.
What needs improvement?
They have had a Kubernetes integration built in, but they recently announced that in Version 16 they're going to strip out the legacy Kubernetes integration, and then introduce a new way of doing the integration. I don't really like the new way because it is pretty focused on the on-premise environment, but we're in a hybrid environment. The integration they're offering is not really a good fit for hybrid infrastructure and I was disappointed with that new feature.
I work for a government-based institution in the US and government-based institutions are very strict about compliance and security. The new model GitLab is offering implies the connectivity will be initiated from the server side to the clients, meaning from Kubernetes back to GitLab, and that's not going to work in our space. We cannot allow traffic back from the cloud to on-prem, so that's going to be a compliance violation. I understand why they want to implement the feature, maybe it's going to be more solid, but it looks like they aren't taking into consideration hybrid environments and the security and compliance aspects. We will find a workaround, but we're still kind of disappointed. It'll generate a lot of additional work.
One feature that has been requested by our development team is a multi-level review of the pool request. When you maintain code and you've got a lot of contributors, a contributor can submit a change in the form of a pool request. There is a feature called merge request in GitLab for when you have a team of people who are supposed to approve a change, but Atlassian BitBucket has a more complete version of the same feature, which includes a multi-approval mechanism. For instance, if you have three people, you can create a rule for how changes should be approved. Maybe they should be approved by you and me and the third guy is not really important, or it could be approved by only you or me, or all three of us together. BitBucket has that flexibility and there is no such flexibility in GitLab.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using GitLab for approximately four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Overall, it's pretty stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is not directly a feature of GitLab because GitLab is about storing your source code. Your storage can be organized in a way that makes it very scalable. For instance, we use the NetApp Store and we are not limited at all, so whenever we hit a disk space problem, we can simply extend the storage and give it more IOPs. However, the way you organize your storage is not GitLab's responsibility.
There are about 100 people currently involved with this solution at my company.
How are customer service and support?
Their customer service is very helpful. They're really good. I communicate with tons of different support clients and GitLab's support is one of the best. A lot of people don't like calling support because it's often useless or annoying, but I would rate GitLab's support as a ten out of ten. I haven't had any complications.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is pretty straightforward. I don't remember having any issues related to the setup.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There is an open-source edition and a commercial version. I've used both, but mostly I've used the commercial one. However, the open-source version is also very, very good. The commercial version is reasonably priced. It's about 20k annually.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Checkmarx is a static analysis tool. GitLab offers, in turn, their own solution. They offer static analysis, dynamic analysis, and a lot of integration. They also offer integration with Checkmarx. There are a lot of features, actually, and plenty of tools. For the price, I think it's very comprehensive.
Compared to other products, for instance, Nessus, they're approximately at the same price level. I would put them all on the same level with approximately the same functionality, but GitLab is one of the best.
What other advice do I have?
I would give this solution a ten out of ten. There are a couple of caveats, but compared to other products, GitLab is certainly the leading solution in the market right now.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Senior Test Engineer at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
A scalable, easy to implement solution that can also be customized
Pros and Cons
- "This is a scalable solution. We had around 200 users working with it."
- "I would like configuration of a YML file to be done via UI rather than a code file."
What is our primary use case?
GitLab was mostly used for version control. All of the code was uploaded into GitLab and then shared across the company. We also used it for running CICD pipelines and automating those pipelines.
What is most valuable?
Basically, it was up to the mark. The solution did what it was supposed to do.
What needs improvement?
We had to write GitLab configuration files, commands and conditions, in a YML format. I would like configuration of a YML file to be done via UI rather than a code file. There should be support for code files, as well, but if there could be a UI for it and a little bit of documentation along with it, that would help.
For how long have I used the solution?
I used this solution for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This is a scalable solution. We had around 200 users working with it. Two people are required for deployment and maintenance.
What about the implementation team?
The implementation was handled in-house. It shouldn't take a long time to implement because it's pretty basic stuff. It all depends on how much customization you want to have.
What other advice do I have?
My advice for others looking into this product is to go for it. GitLab is the future. There are some alternates, like Stash and Bitbucket, that have the same concept, but GitLab is one of the most widely used version control systems. It's easy to use.
I would rate this solution as a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Version control history is valuable for our development workflow
Pros and Cons
- "I find the features and version control history to be most valuable for our development workflow. These aspects provide us with a clear view of changes and help us manage requests efficiently."
- "I believe there's room for improvement in the advanced features, particularly in enhancing the pipeline functionalities."
What is our primary use case?
We create the pipeline and push it to GitLab to initiate the process. The cloud integration is straightforward.
How has it helped my organization?
When it comes to GitLab's CI/CD integration, it significantly supports our development process by accelerating deployments. With automated pipelines, we can focus more on development tasks without worrying about manual deployments, ultimately speeding up our development cycle.
What is most valuable?
In GitLab, I find the features and version control history to be most valuable for our development workflow. These aspects provide us with a clear view of changes and help us manage requests efficiently. I haven't utilized GitLab's security scanning capabilities yet.
We plan to integrate tools like Sonicheap for code security. Currently, we use another product for security, focusing on Q4 security points.
We have used GitLab's features selectively for added security. We don't store passwords directly but use a secret manager and tools to sync passwords securely to our deployment environment.
What needs improvement?
I believe there's room for improvement in the advanced features, particularly in enhancing the pipeline functionalities. Better integration and usability within the pipeline could make a significant difference in user experience. I would suggest considering new features or functions that could streamline workflows further and make using GitLab even more efficient. Having additional functionalities that cater to specific needs could greatly enhance the overall experience with the platform.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with GitLab for the past 5 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Regarding stability, while I can't rate it on a scale of one to ten, I can say that we've experienced good stability with GitLab, with no downtime or major issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
When it comes to scalability, I can't provide a rating as we're using the enterprise version and haven't explored scalability yet in terms of user count, we have between three hundred and four hundred users in our company or department.
How are customer service and support?
I've had support from forums like Stack Overflow when needed. In my experience, GitLab integrates well with third-party tools like SonicWall and Slack without any major issues.
How was the initial setup?
The setup process for GitLab is straightforward and easy to use.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Regarding pricing, I would rate GitLab as moderately priced, maybe around a seven or eight out of ten. It could be more flexible for clients but generally offers good value.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
When comparing GitLab to competitors like Bitbucket, I find GitLab to be superior, especially in terms of features and functionality. Bitbucket still has its own strengths and is preferred by some organizations.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate GitLab around eight or nine out of ten. I highly recommend it to other users for both company purposes and personal projects. GitLab provides a solid starting point for learning and working efficiently, making it a valuable tool for developers.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Apr 8, 2024
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I was looking for a free alternative to GitHub for my hacking projects. I tried GitHub, BitBucket, GitLab, and a few others and settled on GitLab. It's free, easy to use, and has a lot of great features.
I will say that the UI is a bit confusing at first, but it is very easy to figure out. For the most part, you will just be adding and removing repos. You can also view and edit issues and merge.