Step-by-step Guide to Setting Up a GitLab Server on Ubuntu 16.04

If you’ve ever dabbled in scripting, configuration, or programming, understanding the importance of a version control system like GitLab is crucial. With platforms like GitHub available for public projects, what happens when you want a private repository? Enter GitLab, your solution for hosting private git repositories.

Why Consider GitLab for Your Projects?

GitLab offers a unique space for those who wish to maintain the confidentiality of their codebase while still enjoying the benefits of git repositories.

Setting up GitLab on Your Ubuntu Server

Preparing the Ubuntu Server

Start with a fresh installation of Ubuntu Server 16.04. Ensure you have superuser privileges with:

sudo su

Installing Necessary Dependencies

To facilitate the GitLab installation, download these essential packages:

apt install ca-certificates curl openssh-server postfix

When configuring postfix, ensure your server’s domain name is correctly set, especially if it’s publicly accessible.

Installing and Configuring GitLab

Download the GitLab repository setup script and execute it:

curl -sS https://packages.gitlab.com/install/repositories/gitlab/gitlab-ce/script.deb.sh | sudo bash

Follow this with the actual GitLab installation:

apt install gitlab-ce

Domain Configuration for GitLab

Correct your server’s domain with:

nano /etc/gitlab/gitlab.rb

Ensure the external_url points to the correct address.

Update, then initiate server configuration with

gitlab-ctl reconfigure

Make sure you’ve opened ports 80 (HTTP) and 22 (SSH) in your firewall.

Accessing GitLab and Setting Up Your First Repository

You can now access GitLab through its web interface using the domain name or server IP. On your first login, set up the administrator’s password and use the default username, root, to sign in.

Create your first project by clicking “New project”, and follow the on-screen instructions.

How to Generate and Integrate SSH Keys

Y’ll see a message, that SSH key should be added.

Use the command:

ssh-keygen -t rsa -C "name@test.test" -b 4096

This command generates an RSA key pair. The -C flag is for your email, providing a label for the key.

During the process, you’ll be prompted for a location. Remember this, especially the public key’s location (with .pub extension).

Copy the contents of your public key and paste it into GitLab’s SSH Key section.

Test the Connection

After setting up a repository, pull it, add files, commit changes, and push them to the server.

git clone git@git-test.mytechnote.ru:root/test.git
cd test
touch README.md
git add README.md
git commit -m "add README"
git push -u origin master

Refresh your GitLab project page, and you’ll see the updated repository.

Final Thoughts

With GitLab on Ubuntu 16.04, you have the power to create and manage private projects. Follow this guide to ensure smooth setup and configuration.

In future, when you will update your GitLab server, I suggest you to read this post.