GitLab UI/UX Codebase Outline
Purpose: To provide developers with an understanding of the design principles, UI components, and user flows within the GitLab interface. This outline will focus on the front-end technologies used to build the GitLab UI, including Vue.js, React.js, and JavaScript.
Overall Architecture
- Front-end Framework: GitLab primarily uses Vue.js for its front-end development. -/app/assets/javascripts/gitlab_vue.js
- Component Structure: GitLab leverages a component-based architecture where the UI is broken down into reusable components. This promotes code modularity, reusability, and maintainability. -/tree/master/app/assets/javascripts/gitlab/components
- Data Management: GitLab employs GraphQL as its primary API for fetching and manipulating data. -/tree/master/app/graphql
Design Principles
- Consistency: GitLab prioritizes consistent design patterns across the application, providing a cohesive user experience.
- Accessibility: The UI is designed to be accessible to all users, adhering to accessibility standards and best practices. -/CONTRIBUTING.md
- User-Centered Design: GitLab emphasizes a user-centered approach to design, prioritizing user needs and usability. https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab
UI Components
- Global Navigation: The navigation bar provides access to core GitLab features and user settings. -/tree/master/app/assets/javascripts/gitlab/components/global_navigation
- Sidebar Navigation: Project-specific navigation options are located in the sidebar. -/tree/master/app/assets/javascripts/gitlab/components/sidebar
- Modals: Dialog boxes are used for various interactions, such as confirmations and information displays. -/tree/master/app/assets/javascripts/gitlab/components/modal
- Forms: GitLab utilizes custom forms for user input and data submission. -/tree/master/app/assets/javascripts/gitlab/components/form
- Tables: Tables are used to display structured data, such as project lists and commit logs. -/tree/master/app/assets/javascripts/gitlab/components/table
User Flows
- Project Creation: The user flow for creating a new project involves selecting a project type, providing project details, and setting permissions. -/tree/master/app/assets/javascripts/gitlab/components/project_new
- Issue Management: Users can create, assign, and track issues within a project using the issue tracker. -/tree/master/app/assets/javascripts/gitlab/components/issue
- Merge Request Workflow: GitLab facilitates a collaborative workflow for merging code changes into a project’s main branch. -/tree/master/app/assets/javascripts/gitlab/components/merge_request
Development Resources
- GitLab Documentation: https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/
- GitLab API Documentation: https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/api/
- GitLab Style Guide: -/app/assets/stylesheets/gitlab/gitlab.scss
Contributing to GitLab UI
- Fork the repository: https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab-ce
- Create a branch for your changes: https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/gitlab-basics/create-branch.html
- Submit a merge request: https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/gitlab-basics/merge-request.html