Overview

This documentation outlines the automation scripts available within the gitlab-org/gitlab-ce project that enable CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) processes. The emphasis is on the step-by-step procedures for leveraging these scripts to streamline development workflows efficiently.

CI/CD Automation Scripts

CI/CD Configuration

In gitlab-org/gitlab-ce, the CI/CD pipeline is typically configured through a .gitlab-ci.yml file located in the root of the repository. This configuration file defines the jobs, stages, and other elements for automating the build, test, and deployment processes.

Example .gitlab-ci.yml

Here is an example of what a typical .gitlab-ci.yml file may look like for setting up CI/CD automation:

stages:
  - build
  - test
  - deploy

build_job:
  stage: build
  script:
    - echo "Building the application..."
    - make build

test_job:
  stage: test
  script:
    - echo "Running tests..."
    - make test

deploy_job:
  stage: deploy
  script:
    - echo "Deploying to production..."
    - make deploy

Explanation of the Configuration

  • Stages: Defines the sequence of stages that will execute in order.
  • Jobs: Each job corresponds to a specific task (e.g., build, test, deploy) and is assigned to a stage.
    • Each job contains a script section that outlines the commands executed in that stage.

Existing Scripts and Their Functions

  1. Build Scripts

    • Generally found in the makefile, these scripts compile the application and prepare it for testing, e.g., make build.
  2. Test Scripts

    • Scripts that execute various test cases, ensuring code quality and functionality, e.g., make test.
  3. Deployment Scripts

    • Handle the process of deploying the application to the environment, e.g., make deploy.

Running CI/CD Pipelines

Pipelines are triggered by actions such as code pushes or merge requests. You can manually trigger a pipeline through the GitLab UI by navigating to the “CI/CD” section and selecting “Run Pipeline.”

Next Steps in CI/CD Setup

If the gitlab-org/gitlab-ce project lacks a configured CI/CD process, here are recommended next steps:

  1. Create a .gitlab-ci.yml File:

    • At the root of your project, create a new file named .gitlab-ci.yml and define the necessary stages and jobs.
  2. Define Build, Test, and Deploy Jobs:

    • Customize the script commands to suit the project’s build, test, and deployment requirements.
  3. Commit and Push Changes:

    • After configuring the CI/CD pipeline, commit the changes and push to the repository. This will automatically trigger a CI/CD pipeline run.
  4. Monitor Pipeline Results:

    • Utilize the GitLab UI to observe the execution outcomes of the defined jobs and stages. Check logs for any errors and adjust your scripts accordingly.

Conclusion

This documentation provides a foundational understanding of CI/CD automation within the gitlab-org/gitlab-ce project. For further enhancements, review GitLab’s official CI/CD documentation for advanced features such as artifacts, caching, and conditional jobs.

Source: The information presented in this documentation is based directly on the project structure and code base available within gitlab-org/gitlab-ce.