GitLab is a powerful DevOps software package that allows developers to seamlessly develop, secure, and operate software within a single application. As an open-core company, GitLab provides a versatile platform for businesses of all sizes to enhance their software development processes. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to install GitLab on AlmaLinux 8, enabling you to leverage its extensive features and capabilities. So, let’s dive in!

1. Introduction

GitLab is a comprehensive DevOps tool that streamlines the software development lifecycle by integrating various stages, including planning, coding, testing, and deployment. By utilizing GitLab, businesses can achieve greater efficiency, collaboration, and security in their software development processes. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing GitLab on AlmaLinux 8, enabling you to leverage its full potential for your development needs.

2. Prerequisites

Before we proceed with the installation, let’s ensure that we have met the necessary prerequisites:

• AlmaLinux 8 installed on your system.
• A minimum of 4GB of system RAM.
• Administrative access to the AlmaLinux 8 server.
• A stable internet connection.

With these prerequisites in place, we can now move on to the installation process.

3. Updating the System

Before installing GitLab, it is essential to update the system packages to their latest versions. This ensures that you have the most up-to-date software and security patches. To update the system, run the following commands:

yum update -y
yum upgrade -y

These commands will update and upgrade the available packages on your AlmaLinux 8 system.

4. Installing the Required Packages

To install GitLab on AlmaLinux 8, we need to install some necessary package dependencies. These packages include curl, vim, policycoreutils, python3-policycoreutils, and git. Run the following command to install these packages:

dnf -y install curl vim policycoreutils python3-policycoreutils git

This command will install the required packages on your system.

5. Adding the GitLab CE Repository on AlmaLinux 8

Next, we need to add the GitLab CE repository to AlmaLinux 8. This repository provides the necessary packages for installing GitLab. Open the GitLab CE repository file using the following command:

vim /etc/yum.repos.d/gitlab_gitlab-ce.repo

Add the following lines to the file:

[gitlab_gitlab-ce]
name=gitlab_gitlab-ce
baseurl=https://packages.gitlab.com/gitlab/gitlab-ce/el/8/$basearch
repo_gpgcheck=1
gpgcheck=1
enabled=1
gpgkey=https://packages.gitlab.com/gitlab/gitlab-ce/gpgkey
https://packages.gitlab.com/gitlab/gitlab-ce/gpgkey/gitlab-gitlab-ce-3D645A26AB9FBD22.pub.gpg
sslverify=1
sslcacert=/etc/pki/tls/certs/ca-bundle.crt
metadata_expire=300

[gitlab_gitlab-ce-source]
name=gitlab_gitlab-ce-source
baseurl=https://packages.gitlab.com/gitlab/gitlab-ce/el/8/SRPMS
repo_gpgcheck=1
gpgcheck=1
enabled=1
gpgkey=https://packages.gitlab.com/gitlab/gitlab-ce/gpgkey
https://packages.gitlab.com/gitlab/gitlab-ce/gpgkey/gitlab-gitlab-ce-3D645A26AB9FBD22.pub.gpg
sslverify=1
sslcacert=/etc/pki/tls/certs/ca-bundle.crt
metadata_expire=300

Save the file and exit the text editor.

6. Installing GitLab CE on AlmaLinux 8

After adding the GitLab CE repository, we can now proceed with the installation of GitLab CE on AlmaLinux 8. Run the following command to install GitLab CE:

dnf install gitlab-ce -y

This command will download and install GitLab CE on your system. The installation process may take some time, depending on your internet connection speed.

7. Configuring GitLab CE on AlmaLinux 8

Once the installation is complete, we need to configure GitLab CE on AlmaLinux 8. To do this, we will edit the GitLab configuration file located at /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb. Open the file using the following command:

vim /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb

In the configuration file, locate the line that starts with external_url and replace 'http://gitlab.example.com' with your actual domain. Save the file and exit the text editor.

To apply the changes, run the following command:

gitlab-ctl reconfigure

This command will reconfigure GitLab with the updated settings.

8. Checking GitLab Running Status

After configuring GitLab, you can check its running status on AlmaLinux 8. Run the following command to check the status:

gitlab-ctl status

This command will display the status of various GitLab components running on your system.

9. Allowing Ports on the Firewall

To access GitLab through a web browser, we need to allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic through the firewall. Run the following commands to enable these ports:

firewall-cmd --permanent --zone=public --add-service=http
firewall-cmd --permanent --zone=public --add-service=https
firewall-cmd --reload

These commands will allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic through the firewall.

10. Accessing the GitLab Web Console

Now that GitLab is installed and the necessary ports are open, you can access the GitLab web console through your browser. Visit the URL http://Your_Domain_Name in your preferred web browser, replacing Your_Domain_Name with your actual domain name.

To obtain the initial root password, run the following command:

cat /etc/gitlab/initial_root_password

This command will display the initial root password for your GitLab installation. Make sure to reset the password following the provided URL for security purposes.

11. Changing Your Password

To enhance the security of your GitLab installation, it is essential to change the default password. Once you have logged in to the GitLab web console, navigate to the user settings and change your password to a strong and unique one.

12. Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed GitLab on AlmaLinux 8. By following this comprehensive guide, you can now leverage GitLab’s powerful features and capabilities to enhance your software development processes. GitLab provides a robust platform for collaboration, version control, and continuous integration, enabling you to streamline your DevOps workflows effectively.

Remember to regularly update GitLab and the underlying system to ensure optimal performance and security. If you encounter any issues, refer to the official GitLab documentation or seek assistance from the vibrant GitLab community.

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Christian Wells