You’ve finally decided to start using GitLab for your totallyscience projects. This version control system is a game-changer for collaborating on code and keeping track of changes, but at first glance it can seem pretty complicated. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article we’ll walk you through some tips and tricks to get the most out of Totallyscience GitLab. We’ll show you how to create repositories, add collaborators, track issues, merge requests and more. By the end of this you’ll be using GitLab like a pro to push your totallyscience projects to the next level. So what are you waiting for? Dive in and let’s get started!
What Is Totallyscience GitLab?
So you’ve heard about Totallyscience GitLab and want to give it a whirl? Great idea. GitLab is a free, open source solution for hosting your software projects. It has everything you need in one place—from project planning and source code management to CI/CD, monitoring, and security.
To get started:
- Sign up for a free account at totallyscience.gitlab.com. You’ll get unlimited public and private repositories.
- Install the GitLab app to manage your projects on the go. It’s available for iOS and Android.
- Create a new project. You can start from scratch, import an existing repository from GitHub, Bitbucket or elsewhere, or fork an existing GitLab project.
- Add your code, documentation, and everything else to the repository. Use the built-in editor or connect your favorite IDE. GitLab supports over 50 programming languages and markup formats.
- Set up a pipeline to build, test, and deploy your code automatically. GitLab CI/CD is included and ready to use.
- Manage your issues, merge requests, and releases to keep your project organized. @mention your teammates to get their input.
- Enable handy features like container registry, Kubernetes integration, License Compliance, and Auto DevOps to boost your productivity.
- Collaborate with your team and stay on top of activity with notifications, @mentions, and Markdown discussions.
Totallyscience GitLab has all the tools you need to run your software projects smoothly while collaborating at the speed of coding. What are you waiting for? Sign up and take it for a spin today!
Creating Your First Project in Totallyscience GitLab
So you’ve signed up for a Totallyscience GitLab account and you’re ready to create your first project. Here are the steps to get started:
First, log in to your Totallyscience GitLab account and click the “New project” button. You’ll be taken to a page where you can configure your new project.
Give your project a name that’s meaningful but concise, like “My First App” or “Science Experiment.” Add a description to briefly explain the purpose of your project. Make the project public so others can see your work, or private if it’s sensitive.
Next, choose a template to get started. The basic “Empty project” template gives you a blank slate. Other options include frameworks for web apps, mobile apps, and more. Select a template that matches the type of project you want to build.
Now it’s time to build! Totallyscience GitLab has tools for every step of your project. Use the repository to store your source code, files, images, datasets, and anything else. The issue tracker helps you plan tasks, report bugs, and collaborate with your team. The CI/CD tools automate building, testing, and deploying your code.
With some time and patience, you’ll be building amazing projects in no time. Totallyscience GitLab has an intuitive interface and powerful features to help you through every step. If you get stuck, check out the documentation or ask the Totallyscience GitLab community for help. They’re always happy to lend a hand to newcomers and share their knowledge.
Good luck creating your first project in Totallyscience GitLab! With the right tools and skills, you can build something incredible.
Adding Members and Permissions to Your Project
Once you’ve created your GitLab project, it’s time to add members and set permissions. Inviting collaborators and assigning proper access rights is key to working together efficiently.
Adding members
To invite new members to your project, go to Settings > Members. Enter the username or email address of the person you want to add. Choose a role for them:
- Reporter: Can view project and comment on issues/merge requests
- Developer: Can push to non-protected branches and create merge requests
- Maintainer: Can push to any branch, create tags, and enable/disable project features
You can also create custom roles with specialized access rights. Add a personal message to the invitation if you like. The user will receive an email to accept.
Setting permissions
In addition to member roles, you can configure permissions at a more granular level. Go to Settings > Permissions to view and modify:
- Project access: Who can view, push to, and make changes in the project. Control branch protection, tag creation, and default permissions for new members.
- Issues: Who can view, create, edit, and close issues. Determine if guests can create issues.
- Merge requests: Who can view, create, edit, and approve merge requests. Set if approvals are required to merge.
- Repository: Who can view, push to, and make changes to the repository. Control protected branches.
- CI/CD: Who can view and modify CI/CD pipelines and jobs.
- Operations: Who can manage runners, variables, triggers, and schedules.
- Analytics: Who can view analytics, logs, and traces.
Using GitLab’s robust permissions system, you have full control over who can do what in your project. Set access rights according to your team’s needs and workflow. Be sure to review permissions periodically as your project and membership evolves. With the proper controls and collaboration tools in place, your team will be working together seamlessly in no time!
Using GitLab for Version Control
Once you’ve created a project in GitLab, it’s time to start using the version control features. Version control allows you to track changes made to files over time so you can revert back to previous versions if needed.
Committing Changes
As you make changes to your files, you’ll want to commit them to save your progress. Committing creates a snapshot of your files at that point in time. To commit, select the files you want to commit using the checkbox next to each file, enter a commit message, and click “Commit changes”. Your commit message should be a short description of the changes made.
- Make commits often as you work to save incremental changes.
- Commit logical related changes together. Don’t commit styling changes together with functionality changes, for example.
- Review the diff (differences) for your changes before committing to ensure everything looks correct.
Pushing to a Remote Repo
If you’re using GitLab to collaborate with a team, you’ll need to push your local commits to the remote repository. Select “Push” from the left menu to push your commits. By default, it will push to the master branch. You can also choose to push to another branch if needed.
Pushing your changes to the remote repo backs them up and makes them visible to your collaborators. After pushing, your commits will appear in the GitLab timeline so your team can see what changes were made.
Creating Branches
For larger features or collaborating as a team, you’ll want to create branches. Branches allow you to isolate changes from the master branch. To create a branch, go to Repository > Branches and click “New Branch”.
- Name your branch something descriptive of the work you’ll be doing.
- Make all changes for a specific issue or feature within the branch.
- Commit often as you work within the branch.
- When the work is complete, open a merge request to merge the branch back into master.
- Discuss and review the changes in the merge request before merging.
Using GitLab for version control and collaboration can take your project to the next level. With practice, all the committing, pushing, and branching will become second nature! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Managing Issues in Totallyscience GitLab
Managing issues in Totallyscience GitLab is key to keeping your projects organized and running smoothly. As a project manager, you’ll want to stay on top of any bugs, tasks, or feedback that come up. Here are some tips for managing issues efficiently.
Triage new issues
When a new issue is created, determine its priority level based on severity and impact. Is it a blocker that needs immediate attention, or can it wait? Label issues to categorize by type, such as bug, enhancement, or question. Assign the issue to a developer or yourself, and add any comments with extra context to help resolve the issue.
Update issue statuses
As work progresses, update the issue status from “open” to “in progress” and finally “closed” once resolved. This helps provide visibility into what’s being actively worked on and what’s been completed. You can also close stalled issues if they are no longer relevant.
Discuss issues openly
The issue thread is where your team can have an open discussion about the best solution or approach. @mention other team members to draw them into the conversation. Share screenshots, code snippets or links as needed. Debate pros and cons of different options before settling on an implementation plan.
Prioritize your workload
Use issue labels and milestones to organize what needs to get done. Focus on “highest priority” and “blocker” issues first before moving on to “enhancements” or “low priority” items. Check issue assignees and due dates to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Staying on top of issues and keeping your GitLab project board up-to-date will make you a master issue manager in no time!
Managing issues doesn’t have to be complicated. With some triaging, updating, discussing and prioritizing, you’ll keep your Totallyscience GitLab project running as smoothly as possible and your team happy and productive. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Integrating Totallyscience GitLab With Your CI/CD Pipeline
Integrating GitLab CI/CD
To fully utilize Totallyscience GitLab, you’ll want to integrate its built-in continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline. This will automatically build, test, and deploy your code whenever there’s a push to your repository.
Enable GitLab CI/CD
First, you’ll need to enable CI/CD in your GitLab project’s settings. Under the “CI / CD” section, flip the switch next to “Enable CI/CD”. This will activate the GitLab CI/CD pipeline for your project.
Create a .gitlab-ci.yml file
The CI/CD pipeline is configured using a .gitlab-ci.yml file in your project’s root. This file defines “jobs” – the steps the pipeline will execute. For example:
“`yaml
build:
script: npm install && npm run build
test:
script: npm test
deploy:
script: npm run deploy
“`
This file has three jobs – build, test, and deploy. The script
key under each job defines the shell commands to run for that job.
View pipeline status
When you push to your repository, the CI/CD pipeline will automatically start running the jobs defined in .gitlab-ci.yml. You can view the status of the current and past pipeline runs under the “CI / CD” section of your project. Click on a pipeline to see the status, logs, and other details for each individual job.
Customize your pipeline
The .gitlab-ci.yml file is very flexible. You can define complex pipelines with:
- Stages – Group jobs into stages that run sequentially or in parallel
- Variables – Pass variables between jobs and pipeline runs
- Caches – Speed up jobs by caching dependencies and build artifacts
- Artifacts – Save build artifacts to use in other jobs or download
- And much more! GitLab CI/CD has a lot of functionality to utilize.
Integrating CI/CD will make development and deployment of your Totallyscience GitLab project much more streamlined and automated. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Securing Your Code With Totallyscience GitLab
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
For maximum security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Totallyscience GitLab account. 2FA adds an extra layer of protection for your login by requiring not just your password but also a code sent to your phone. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your account even if your password is compromised.
To set up 2FA, go to your Profile Settings and select “Two-factor Authentication.” Choose whether you want to receive your 2FA codes via text message, phone call, or using an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Duo. Scan the QR code or enter the key provided into your selected app to link it to your Totallyscience GitLab account.
Now, whenever you sign in, you’ll enter both your password and the 2FA code displayed in your authentication app. This added login step provides protection against account takeovers and unauthorized access. With more and more data breaches exposing people’s passwords, enabling 2FA is one of the best ways to keep your Totallyscience GitLab account secure.
Create Strong, Unique Passwords
Speaking of passwords, make sure the one for your Totallyscience GitLab account is both strong and unique. A strong password contains a minimum of 12 characters and a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t reuse the same password across websites and services.
If keeping track of multiple complex passwords seems challenging, use a password manager like 1Password, LastPass, or Dashlane. These tools generate and remember strong, unique passwords for all your accounts while keeping them secure behind one master password. Enabling 2FA on your password manager also provides an extra layer of protection for all your logins and passwords.
Review Permissions and Access Controls
Totallyscience GitLab allows you to set granular permissions and access controls for your projects and groups. Review who has access to your repositories and limit it as needed. You can add users to groups, give them access to specific projects or subgroups, and assign them permissions like “Reporter” (can view but not edit), “Developer” (can view and push code), or “Maintainer” (full access and admin rights).
Regularly double check that only the appropriate users have access to each of your projects. Remove access for any users who no longer need it, like former colleagues or clients. Limiting permissions and access as much as possible helps ensure that your source code, commits, issues, and other data remain private and secure.
Customizing Your Totallyscience GitLab Experience
Once you get the hang of using Totallyscience GitLab, you’ll want to customize your experience. Here are some tips to make GitLab work for you:
Set up notifications
Decide what events you want to receive notifications for, like when someone mentions you in a comment or pushes changes to a project you’re following. Go to Settings > Notifications and select the options you want. You can choose to get emails, in-app notifications, or both.
Add integrations
Integrate other tools you use with GitLab to streamline your workflow. Some options include:
- Slack – Send GitLab notifications to a Slack channel. Great for team collaboration.
- Twitter – Tweet when changes are pushed to a project.
- Zendesk – Create Zendesk tickets from GitLab issues.
- And many more!
To add an integration, go to Settings > Integrations.
Customize your profile
Your GitLab profile is a chance to share information about yourself with other users. You can:
- Add a profile photo
- Write a short bio
- Link to external accounts like Twitter or LinkedIn
- Set a status message
- And display your preferred pronouns
To update your profile, select Edit profile from your user menu.
Join groups
GitLab groups are a way to organize projects around teams, departments, or areas of interest. Join groups to collaborate with others, get notifications about projects within the group, and discover new content. You’ll find a list of available public groups on the Groups page, or you can search for specific groups to join.
Change your theme
Tired of GitLab’s default dark theme? Go to Settings > Appearance and select a new theme to change the overall look and feel. You have options for both dark and light themes to suit your preferences.
With a few customizations, you can make GitLab feel like home in no time. Set it up in a way that suits your needs and you’ll be happily using GitLab for all your project management needs.
Totallyscience GitLab FAQs: Common Questions Answered
What is Totallyscience GitLab?
Totallyscience GitLab is a version control system developers use to collaborate on software projects. It allows teams to:
- Manage changes to source code over time.
- Resolve conflicts when multiple people edit the same code.
- Keep a history of changes so you can revert to previous versions if needed.
Why should I use Totallyscience GitLab?
Using Totallyscience GitLab has many benefits for developers and teams:
- It’s open source, so it’s free to use and you have access to the source code.
- It has a simple yet powerful web UI, so you don’t need to be a Git expert to get started.
- It has powerful access control and permissions allowing you to lock down sensitive projects.
- It integrates with your existing workflow with features like issue tracking, CI/CD, and project management.
- It has a large open source community continually improving the product.
How do I get started with Totallyscience GitLab?
Getting started with Totallyscience GitLab is straightforward:
- Sign up for a free account on GitLab.com or install the open source version on your own server.
- Create a project to hold your code. This will be the base for your repository.
- Connect your local Git repository to the remote repository on GitLab.
- Make changes to your code locally and push them to the remote repository on GitLab.
- Use GitLab’s web UI to view your project’s repository, issues, merge requests, builds, and more.
Using Totallyscience GitLab may seem complicated at first, but by starting small and practicing the basics, you’ll be collaborating on code in no time. The key is simply to dive in and get your hands dirty – you’ll pick it up as you go! If you get stuck, GitLab has amazing documentation and an active community forum to help you along the way.
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know to get started with totallyscience GitLab and leverage it to the max. With a little practice, you’ll be committing code, creating milestones, and managing permissions like a pro. The key is just diving in and not being afraid to explore all the features GitLab has to offer. Before you know it, you’ll be wondering how you ever lived without it. Happy coding and remember, if you get stuck, the totallyscience community is here to help. Now go forth and build something awesome!