gitlab-org / ...

Contributing to GitLab

This guide outlines the steps you can take to contribute to the GitLab project hosted at https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/….

1. Fork the Repository:

  • Visit the GitLab repository page.
  • Click the “Fork” button.
  • This creates a personal copy of the repository on your GitLab account.

2. Create a Branch:

  • Clone your forked repository locally:
git clone [email protected]:your-username/your-forked-repository.git
  • Create a new branch for your contribution:
git checkout -b feature/your-contribution-name

3. Make Your Changes:

  • Open the project in your code editor.

  • Make your changes to the codebase.

  • Refer to the project’s existing code and style guide for guidance.

  • If necessary, use the following commands for build, test, and run to ensure your changes work as expected:

  • Build:

  • build: Compiles the source code.

  • compile: Converts source files into machine code.

  • Run:

  • run: Executes the compiled application.

  • start: Launches the application in a specific environment.

  • Test:

  • test: Executes automated tests to validate functionality.

  • test unit: Executes unit tests specifically for isolated components of the codebase.

4. Commit Your Changes:

  • Stage your changes:
git add -A
  • Commit your changes with a clear and descriptive message:
git commit -m "Your commit message describing the change"

5. Push Your Branch:

  • Push your local branch to your fork:
git push origin feature/your-contribution-name

6. Create a Merge Request:

  • Navigate to your forked repository on GitLab.
  • Select your branch and click “New Merge Request”.
  • Choose the main branch of the original repository as the target.
  • Provide a descriptive title and detailed description of your changes.
  • Link to relevant issues or discussions in the description.

7. Review and Merge:

  • The project maintainers will review your changes and provide feedback.
  • Address any feedback or suggestions promptly.
  • Once the review is completed, your merge request will be merged into the main branch.

Additional Commands:

  • clean: Removes temporary or unnecessary files created during the build process.
  • install: Installs necessary dependencies for the application to function correctly.
  • lint: Analyzes the code for stylistic errors and adherence to coding standards.
  • update: Refreshes project dependencies to their latest versions.

Contributing Guide:

While the project does not have a dedicated contributing guide, consider the following as a general approach:

  • Review existing code and documentation: Familiarize yourself with the project’s existing code style and documentation.
  • Focus on small, specific contributions: Start with smaller, well-defined tasks to familiarize yourself with the project workflow.
  • Ask for guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request assistance from the project maintainers.

By following these steps and engaging with the GitLab community, you can effectively contribute to the project and help enhance its functionality and user experience.