The GitLab CE Codebase

The GitLab CE codebase is a large and complex system that powers the GitLab platform. It’s built using a variety of technologies, including Ruby on Rails, Go, Vue.js, and React. The codebase is structured in a modular way, with different components responsible for specific features and functionalities.

This document provides a high-level overview of the codebase structure and key components.

Core Components:

  • Rails Application: The primary component of the GitLab CE codebase is the Rails application, which handles the majority of the logic and data management.
  • Go Services: Some specific functionalities, like CI/CD runners and Git LFS, are implemented using Go services.
  • Frontend Applications: Vue.js and React are used for building the user interface and providing interactive functionalities.
  • Database: PostgreSQL is used as the primary database for storing all data.

Codebase Structure:

The codebase is organized into various directories, each representing a different functionality or component. Here’s a simplified outline:

  • app: Contains the main Rails application, including models, controllers, and views.
  • lib: Contains reusable code and utility libraries.
  • config: Contains configuration files for the application.
  • db: Contains database migrations and seeds.
  • public: Contains static assets such as CSS, JavaScript, and images.
  • spec: Contains unit tests for the application.
  • features Contains integration tests for the application.

Understanding the Codebase:

To effectively work with the GitLab CE codebase, developers should:

  • Familiarize themselves with the GitLab architecture and its components.
  • Use the GitLab documentation and API references to understand how different features are implemented.
  • Leverage the existing unit and integration tests to ensure code quality and functionality.
  • Participate in code reviews and seek guidance from experienced developers.

Resources:

Contributing to the Codebase:

Contributions to the GitLab CE codebase are welcomed. To contribute, please follow the GitLab contribution guidelines outlined in the documentation.