November 5, 2024 admin

How to Set Up GitLab Server on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

Setting up a GitLab server on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS can significantly enhance your development workflow by providing a powerful platform for version control, CI/CD, and collaborative project management. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of installing GitLab on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, ensuring your system is ready to host your code and support your DevOps practices.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • Administrative access to the Ubuntu server.
  • Basic familiarity with Linux system administration and networking.
  • The necessary tools, such as Git and a web browser for accessing the GitLab interface.

Technical Implementation

Follow these steps to set up your GitLab server:

Step 1: Install Required Packages

Start by updating your package list and installing the required packages to enable secure repository access:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y apt-transport-https curl

Step 2: Add the GitLab Repository

Add the GitLab repository to your system to ensure you’re installing the latest version:

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

This command downloads and sets up the GitLab repository, allowing you to install the gitlab-ce package.

Step 3: Install GitLab

Now that the repository is added, install GitLab using the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y gitlab-ce

Step 4: Configure GitLab

After installation, GitLab needs to be configured to run with your server’s IP or domain name. Open the configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb

Locate the line external_url and update it with your server’s IP or domain:

external_url 'http://your-ubuntu-server-ip'

Save and close the file. Apply the changes by running:

sudo gitlab-ctl reconfigure

This command will set up GitLab and apply the necessary configurations.

Step 5: Start and Enable GitLab

Ensure that GitLab starts and is enabled to run on system boot:

sudo systemctl start gitlab-runsvdir
sudo systemctl enable gitlab-runsvdir

You can access the GitLab web interface by navigating to http://your-ubuntu-server-ip in your web browser. Log in using the default credentials and update your password.

Best Practices

To maintain a secure and robust GitLab server:

  • Use Strong Passwords: Secure your GitLab administrator account with a strong password.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Protect user accounts by enabling 2FA for an added layer of security.
  • Regularly Update GitLab: Keep your system and GitLab packages updated to patch vulnerabilities and access new features.
  • Monitor Logs: Regularly check logs using sudo gitlab-ctl tail to identify any potential issues.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions include:

  • GitLab Not Starting: Run sudo gitlab-ctl status to check the status of GitLab services. Restart with sudo gitlab-ctl restart if necessary.
  • Database Connection Issues: Ensure that the gitlab.rb file has the correct database settings. Verify MySQL or PostgreSQL connections if using an external database.

Conclusion

You now have a fully functional GitLab server set up on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, ready to host your repositories and facilitate continuous integration and deployment. GitLab offers powerful capabilities that can enhance your development workflow and foster collaboration within your team.

Next Steps:

  • Explore GitLab’s CI/CD features to automate testing and deployments.
  • Integrate GitLab with Docker for containerized builds.
  • Configure GitLab Runner for executing pipelines efficiently.

With your GitLab server up and running, you’re equipped to streamline your development process, improve project management, and enable seamless collaboration.