Comparing GitLab Flow and Forking in GitLab

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Working Together in the Same Repository
   1. Branching Off in the Same Repository
   2. Creating Merge Requests
   3. Lightweight Workflow
   4. Advantages and Disadvantages
3. Working with Multiple Repositories
   1. Forking the Repository
   2. Creating a Copy of the Repository
   3. Sharing Code and Permissions
   4. Merging Back into Main Repository
4. GitLab Workflow vs Forking Workflow
   1. Choosing the Right Workflow
   2. Managing Permissions
   3. Removing Source Branches
5. Conclusion

Introduction

When working with GitLab, there are different ways to collaborate and work on projects. This article will explore two main workflows: working together in the same repository and working with multiple repositories. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each workflow and provide guidance on choosing the right approach for your team.

Working Together in the Same Repository

Branching Off in the Same Repository

One approach to collaboration is working together in the same repository. This workflow involves branching off from the main branch to make changes without interrupting the work of colleagues. By creating a separate branch, You can make your changes without disrupting the main branch. This allows for Parallel development and reduces conflicts. Once you have made your changes, you can Create a merge request to merge your branch back into the main repository.

Creating Merge Requests

Merge requests are a crucial part of the workflow when working together in the same repository. They facilitate code review and allow colleagues to provide feedback on your changes. With GitLab, you can easily create merge requests, set titles and descriptions, mention specific colleagues or groups, and assign the request for review. Colleagues can then comment on the merge request line by line, ensuring thorough code review. Once the changes are approved, the merge request can be accepted and merged into the main repository.

Lightweight Workflow

The workflow of working together in the same repository, often referred to as GitLab Flow, offers a lightweight and integrated approach to collaboration. It allows everyone to work in the same repository and makes it easy to share work, even if it's not merged into the main branch. This workflow is especially beneficial for smaller teams or projects where code changes don't require separate repositories.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Working together in the same repository has several advantages. Firstly, it allows for easy collaboration and sharing of work. Colleagues can simply pull your branch and check out your changes. Additionally, all integrations, such as Git hooks or web hooks, will work as usual, ensuring no disruptions to existing workflows. However, one downside of this workflow is that it can lead to a large number of branches in a single repository, which might become difficult to manage in larger projects.

Working with Multiple Repositories

Forking the Repository

Another approach to collaboration is forking the repository. This workflow involves creating a complete copy of the repository under your own namespace and making changes in your copy. You can then share your changes by merging them back into the main repository or by giving individuals permissions to access your copy.

Creating a Copy of the Repository

When you fork a repository, you create a separate copy of the entire project. This allows you to work independently without disrupting the main repository or colleagues' work. You can make changes in your copy and commit them to the main branch or a separate branch. However, to share your changes, you need to merge them back into the main repository or grant access to individuals.

Sharing Code and Permissions

In the forking workflow, sharing code requires merging your changes back into the main repository. This can be done through merge requests, similar to the workflow discussed earlier. However, one difference is that if someone wants to make changes to your code, you need to give them access to your forked project under your namespace.

Merging Back into Main Repository

To merge your changes back into the main repository, you can create a merge request and select the branch you made the changes in. The process of reviewing, commenting, and accepting the changes remains the same as in the previous workflow. However, in this case, the changes will be merged into the main branch of another repository or namespace.

GitLab Workflow vs Forking Workflow

Choosing the Right Workflow

The choice between the GitLab workflow and the forking workflow depends on the size of your team, the complexity of the project, and your specific requirements. The GitLab workflow offers a lightweight and integrated approach, making it easy to collaborate and share work. On the other HAND, the forking workflow provides more isolation and avoids having many branches in a single repository.

Managing Permissions

When using the GitLab workflow, managing permissions is typically easier as everything is contained within a single repository. With the forking workflow, you need to grant individual access to your forked project or manage permissions separately. Consider your team's needs and the level of isolation required when choosing the workflow that suits you best.

Removing Source Branches

Regardless of the workflow you choose, it is advisable to remove the source branch upon merging. This helps prevent a buildup of branches in your repository and keeps it more organized. GitLab provides an option to remove the source branch automatically when accepting a merge request.

Conclusion

Collaboration in GitLab can be achieved in multiple ways, depending on your team's requirements and preferences. Working together in the same repository using GitLab Flow offers simplicity and integrated features, while forking the repository provides isolation and the ability to manage permissions separately. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each workflow and choose the one that best suits your team's needs.