One of the key differences between the two is that GitHub is not open-source but it offers paid plans for private repositories that are commonly used to host open-source web projects. The hosted service is in fact free for open-source projects but the software which it’s based upon is not open source. GitLab, on the other hand, is free and open sourced for the Community Edition whereas the Enterprise Edition is closed source. You’ll find GitLab has more built-in features when it comes to project management. Its issue tracking is tightly coupled with milestones, epics, and boards, making it easier to handle agile workflows without needing extra tools.
If you require more control over your infrastructure with on-premises hosting, GitLab is the way to go. GitLab provides more comprehensive project management tools in terms of issue tracking, project boards, and milestones than GitHub and offers them too. It is a complete DevOps tools suite containing built-in Kanban boards, roadmaps, epics, and portfolio management. GitLab is often chosen by companies that need an integrated approach to software development. It’s especially appealing for organizations with strict security or compliance needs, as its self-hosting option allows for full control over infrastructure.
GitHub vs GitLab: Key Differences
GitLab is another web-based Git repository manager that provides features similar to GitHub, but also expands further into the realm of DevOps lifecycle management. Since its launch in 2011, GitLab has gained popularity among developers looking for an integrated environment that supports the entire software development process. GitLab is an all-in-one DevOps platform that combines Git-based version control with powerful tools for continuous integration, continuous delivery (CI/CD), and project management. GitHub is well-known for its collaboration features, which include pull requests, code reviews, and issue tracking.
Master Git and GitHub Commands in Minutes
If you want a plug-and-play CI/CD environment with fewer external dependencies, GitLab might be a better fit. Git is a command-line tool that developers use locally to manage their repositories. It does difference between git and github and gitlab not provide any graphical user interface or online repository hosting. Users can choose to open a free account or select one of the multiple paid options. Recently, restrictions on private repositories were lifted, so you can now create unlimited projects that are visible only to selected users. GitHub has a larger and more active community, extensive documentation, forums, and numerous third-party integrations.
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This means that all developers working on a project have access to the complete codebase. They don’t need to be continuously connected to a central repository (aka repo), or have a server running to use Git. Despite its many advantages, GitLab does have some drawbacks, such as a slower interface and frequent bugs. However, its comprehensive feature set and flexibility make it a strong contender in the version control software market.
CI/CD Integration (GitHub Actions vs GitLab CI/CD)
GitLab is all in one Git hosting platform that includes not just Git version control but also a full suite of DevOps tools. Something else to consider is built in CI/CD pipelines (Continuous Integration + Continuous Delivery), called GitLab CI/CD, in the case of GitLab. GitLab features such as deeply automated GitLab, and enterprise level security separate them from the competition in the GitLab vs GitHub comparison. It does this by merging Git repository management with continuous integration (CI), deployment, and collaboration tools.
Key Features of GitLab
Here are our insights into the future trends and advancements in version control and DevOps platforms. Thanks to Git’s non-linear development nature, a Git user can work remotely on any part of the project, make necessary changes, and then update the project. Git supports quick branching and merging and offers specific tools for visualizing and navigating a non-linear development history. GitHub’s interface is clean and simple, making it easy for new users to navigate. GitLab, on the other hand, offers a more feature-rich interface, which can be overwhelming for beginners but powerful for advanced users. GitHub focuses on speed and simplicity, while GitLab emphasizes a comprehensive, all-in-one experience.
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These tools are the backbone of combining development and operations practices, improving software delivery quality, fostering collaboration, and streamlining workflows. While many of these tools have been around for years, their continued evolution ensures they remain vital. GitLab offers more granular permissions and role-based access controls, especially in the free and self-managed versions.
According to the programming tools company JetBrains, 77% of developers use GitHub regularly compared to 40% for GitLab and 25% for BitBucket. While both support open-source, the repositories themselves use a mixed programming model. In this model, the GitLab Community Edition remains free and open-source, while the GitLab Enterprise Edition has more features and comes with support. ZDNET’s recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping.
- GitHub has polished community features like Discussions, Sponsors, and a broader ecosystem of third-party integrations.
- If you want a plug-and-play CI/CD environment with fewer external dependencies, GitLab might be a better fit.
- Your choice between them will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and the nature of your projects.
- GitHub offers security features such as dependency vulnerability alerts, secret scanning, and code scanning to mitigate potential security issues.
Key features of GitLab:
- Both GitHub and GitLab support integrations with Docker and Kubernetes, but GitLab offers a more seamless native experience.
- You can auto-deploy to Kubernetes clusters directly from GitLab CI/CD and monitor deployments within the UI.
- GitHub uses a simpler model with fewer levels of control unless you upgrade to GitHub Enterprise.
- If you need a comprehensive, integrated solution, GitLab is the way to go.
In addition to Linux, his areas of expertise include IT security, Python, Swift, Java, and the Raspberry Pi. GitLab can scale to meet the needs of small teams and large enterprises alike. GitHub is an excellent platform for open-source projects to showcase their work and attract contributors.
