Getting started with gitlab

Source: Dev.to

What is Git

Git is a distributed version control system used to track changes in source code during software development.
It allows multiple developers to work on the same project, maintains a complete history of changes, and helps manage different versions of code efficiently.

Version Control System

A Version Control System (VCS) is a tool that tracks and manages changes to files over time, allowing users to view history and revert to previous versions.

Types of Version Control System

1. Local version control system

• Stores versions on one computer.

2. Centralized version control system

• Stores all versions on a central server accessed by multiple users.
• Example: SVN

3. Distributed version control system

• Each developer has a complete copy of the repository, including full history, on their local machine.
• Example: Git

What is GitLab

GitLab is a web-based DevOps platform that uses Git for version control and provides tools to manage the entire software development lifecycle, including code hosting, collaboration, CI/CD, and project management.

How to Push a File to GitLab

# Step 1: navigate to the project directory
cd 

# Step 2: initialize a repository
git init
# check status
git status

# Step 3: add files
git add 
# or add all files
git add .

# Step 4: commit changes
git commit -m "message"

# Step 5: push to remote
git push

What is a Repository

A repository is a storage location for source code files and folders, supporting collaboration among developers and maintaining a history of changes.

Hosting

Hosting provides server space and resources to make a website or application available online. It can be accessed over the internet.

Local Hosting

Local hosting runs a website or application on a local computer instead of an internet server. It is used for development, testing, and learning purposes.

Hosting tools: XAMPP, WAMP, MAMP

Server

A server is a computer or system that provides resources, data, or services, handling client requests via a request‑response model.

Examples: web server, file server, database server, application server.