Git is a distributed version control system that allows software developers to track changes in source code during software development. It is designed to handle everything from small to very large projects with speed and efficiency. GitLab, on the other hand, is a web-based DevOps lifecycle tool that provides a Git-repository manager providing wiki, issue-tracking and CI/CD pipeline features, using an open-source license.
The GitLab flow is a unique workflow that combines feature-driven development and feature branches with issue tracking. It is an abstract idea of how to use Git to accomplish work in a consistent and productive manner. GitLab flow is a flexible way to handle your code and your branches, and it is designed to adapt to different team structures and project requirements.
Definition of GitLab Flow
The GitLab flow is a clearly defined set of rules about how to use Git and GitLab. It is a flexible, efficient, and consistent approach to handling code and branches. It incorporates elements of other workflows, such as the GitHub flow and the Git flow, but it is unique in its emphasis on keeping the master branch clean and deployable at all times.
The GitLab flow consists of several stages, including production, pre-production, development, and feature branches. Each stage has a specific purpose and set of rules. The flow is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing teams to adjust it to their specific needs and workflows.
Production Branch
The production branch is the master branch in the GitLab flow. It is always deployable and contains the code that is currently in production. The production branch is the source of truth for the current state of the application in production.
Changes to the production branch are made through merge requests. These requests are thoroughly reviewed and tested before being merged into the production branch. This ensures that the production branch remains stable and deployable at all times.
Pre-production Branch
The pre-production branch is a branch that mirrors the production branch. It is used for final testing before changes are pushed to production. The pre-production branch allows teams to catch and fix any last-minute issues before they affect the production environment.
Like the production branch, changes to the pre-production branch are made through merge requests. These requests are reviewed and tested in the same way as those for the production branch. The pre-production branch serves as a final check to ensure that changes are ready for production.
Explanation of GitLab Flow
The GitLab flow is a workflow that is designed to be flexible and efficient. It is based on the idea of using feature branches for development work and merging these branches into the master branch when the work is complete. The flow also includes a pre-production branch for final testing before changes are pushed to production.
The GitLab flow starts with the creation of a new feature branch from the master branch. The feature branch is where all the development work for a particular feature takes place. Once the feature is complete, it is merged back into the master branch through a merge request.
Feature Branches
Feature branches are the heart of the GitLab flow. They are created for each new feature or bug fix that is being developed. The feature branch is branched off from the master branch and is where all the development work takes place.
Once the work on the feature branch is complete, it is merged back into the master branch through a merge request. This ensures that the master branch always contains the latest, stable version of the code.
Merge Requests
Merge requests are a key part of the GitLab flow. They are used to propose changes to the master branch. A merge request is created when a feature branch is ready to be merged into the master branch.
The merge request includes a description of the changes, the reason for the changes, and any other relevant information. The merge request is then reviewed by other team members. If the changes are approved, the feature branch is merged into the master branch.
History of GitLab Flow
The GitLab flow was developed by the team at GitLab, a company that provides a web-based DevOps lifecycle tool. The flow was created to address the challenges of managing code and branches in a distributed development environment.
The GitLab flow is based on the principles of the Git flow and the GitHub flow, but it includes unique features that make it more flexible and efficient. The flow was designed to be adaptable to different team structures and project requirements.
Git Flow and GitHub Flow
The Git flow and the GitHub flow are two popular workflows for using Git. The Git flow is a complex workflow that includes several types of branches, including feature branches, release branches, and hotfix branches. The GitHub flow, on the other hand, is a simpler workflow that focuses on feature branches.
The GitLab flow incorporates elements of both these workflows. It uses feature branches like the GitHub flow, but it also includes a pre-production branch for final testing before changes are pushed to production, similar to the release branches in the Git flow.
Unique Features of GitLab Flow
The GitLab flow includes several unique features that set it apart from other Git workflows. One of these features is the emphasis on keeping the master branch clean and deployable at all times. This is achieved by using merge requests to propose changes to the master branch and by conducting thorough reviews and tests before changes are merged.
Another unique feature of the GitLab flow is the use of a pre-production branch for final testing before changes are pushed to production. This allows teams to catch and fix any last-minute issues before they affect the production environment.
Use Cases of GitLab Flow
The GitLab flow is a versatile workflow that can be used in a variety of development environments. It is particularly well-suited to distributed development teams, where developers are working on different features or bug fixes at the same time.
The GitLab flow is also ideal for projects that require frequent deployments. Because the master branch is always deployable, teams can deploy new features or bug fixes as soon as they are ready, without having to wait for a scheduled release.
Distributed Development Teams
In a distributed development team, developers are often working on different features or bug fixes at the same time. The GitLab flow allows each developer to work on their own feature branch, without interfering with the work of others.
Once a feature is complete, it can be merged back into the master branch through a merge request. This ensures that the master branch always contains the latest, stable version of the code, even when multiple developers are working on different features.
Frequent Deployments
The GitLab flow is ideal for projects that require frequent deployments. Because the master branch is always deployable, teams can deploy new features or bug fixes as soon as they are ready, without having to wait for a scheduled release.
The use of a pre-production branch for final testing before changes are pushed to production also helps to ensure that deployments are smooth and error-free. This makes the GitLab flow a great choice for teams that value continuous delivery and rapid iteration.
Specific Examples of GitLab Flow
Let's consider a software development team working on a web application. The team is distributed, with developers working in different locations and on different features. The team uses the GitLab flow to manage their code and branches.
One developer is working on a new feature for the application. They create a new feature branch from the master branch and begin their work. Once the feature is complete, they create a merge request to propose merging the feature branch into the master branch.
Feature Development
The merge request includes a description of the feature, the reason for the feature, and any other relevant information. The merge request is reviewed by other team members. If the feature is approved, the feature branch is merged into the master branch.
Meanwhile, another developer is working on a bug fix. They also create a new feature branch from the master branch and begin their work. Once the bug fix is complete, they create a merge request to propose merging the feature branch into the master branch.
Bug Fixing
The merge request for the bug fix includes a description of the bug, the steps to reproduce the bug, the fix for the bug, and any other relevant information. The merge request is reviewed by other team members. If the bug fix is approved, the feature branch is merged into the master branch.
Throughout this process, the master branch remains stable and deployable. The team can deploy new features and bug fixes as soon as they are ready, without having to wait for a scheduled release. This is the power and flexibility of the GitLab flow.