A code management platform with excellent code review capability but a key missing feature
November 27, 2021
A code management platform with excellent code review capability but a key missing feature
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with GitLab
We use Gitlab as the primary tool for maintaining and versioning code. In my department specifically, this includes architecture, tooling, and harnesses that contribute to machine learning pipelines. New projects are created in GitLab, existing projects are maintained, and its merge request functionality is used for the evaluation of refactors, new features, and products.
- Repository search capabilities.
- Merge requests / code reviews.
- IDE Integration.
- No in-line code navigation.
- Sparse documentation regarding preferable merge process.
- Lack of display support for certain file types.
- Has adequately addressed code maintenance.
- Provides excellent MR/code review capability and commenting.
- Absence of code navigation makes for cumbersome analysis of existing code bases.
GitLab shares a lot of the functionality of GitHub, with the notable absence of code navigation capabilities, making it a less desirable option for code repository management. If I were in charge of repository tool selection I would likely have chosen GitHub due to this difference. Another functionality is quite comparable.
GitLab tokens are used in the company as opposed to passwords which are preferable from a security standpoint. Setting keys and configuration of local environments is streamlined so I would be remiss to suggest improvements in this area. Although my department isn't explicitly tasked with cyber security, GitLab appears to offer an adequate solution in this space.
The existing branching strategies are seamlessly integrated with GitLab. The creation of feature branches, rebasing, and merging into main branches has been smooth and without any issues. Larger teams are able to work together on single, large repositories without problems. Comparison of feature branches allows for an immediate evaluation of differing approaches.
Do you think GitLab delivers good value for the price?
Not sure
Are you happy with GitLab's feature set?
Yes
Did GitLab live up to sales and marketing promises?
I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process
Did implementation of GitLab go as expected?
I wasn't involved with the implementation phase
Would you buy GitLab again?
No