GitHub vs GitLab: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to GitHub vs GitLab, which is the ideal development platform for your team in 2024? Which one is best for you? These are some crucial questions that we will address in today's post.

Indeed, practically all global code is built on either GitHub or GitLab.

In popularity, GitHub has approximately 56 million users, while GitLab has over 31 million.

However, GitLab has a niche. Over 35% of Java developers prefer GitLab over alternative code repositories. Despite its modest size, GitLab provides many appealing services to its customers.

As a result, developers and others participating in the software development process frequently ask questions about the differences between GitLab and GitHub.

GitHub vs GitLab - which is the best development platform for your IT team in 2024?

This blog uncovers all your project puzzles by closely examining the similarities and differences between GitLab and GitHub.

What is GitHub?

GitHub is a web-based hosting platform established in 2008 based on Git, a popular distributed version control system. As mentioned earlier, GitHub has over 56 million members and has established itself as the leading platform for hosting, sharing, and collaboration of code.

The intuitive user interface, broad community support, and smooth tool integration contributed to GitHubs enormous appeal among developers of all skill levels, whether fronted or aspiring backend developers.

Core Features of GitHub:

» Effectively manage code changes over time through commits, branches, and merges.

» Facilitate teamwork with features like pull requests, code reviews, and issue tracking.

» Organize and prioritize work with labels, milestones, and project boards.

» Store and share code publicly or privately.

» Offer features like code highlighting, syntax checking, and integrations with other development tools.

Pros of GitHub:

» Benefits from a vast user base, contributing to a rich ecosystem of tools and support.

» Enhances code quality through collaborative review and feedback.

» Seamlessly connects with popular development tools and services.

» Offers a free tier for open-source projects and personal portfolios.

Cons of GitHub:

» Can be expensive for larger teams or enterprise-level projects.

» Compared to some competitors, GitHub might lack certain specialized features.

» Reliance on GitHub's infrastructure can be a concern for some users.

What is GitLab?

GitLab, established in 2011, is also a web-based application offering version control functionalities similar to GitHub.

However, GitLab displays itself as an all-in-one DevOps platform, offering not only hosting for Git repositories but also integrated CI/CD, project management, issue tracking, and more.

The platform has over 31 million members, and over 35% of Java programming language developers choose GitLab over other code management repositories, giving it a distinct advantage over others.

Core Features of GitLab:

» Manage code effectively through commits, branches, and merges.

» Enhance teamwork with features like pull requests, code reviews, and issue tracking.

» Plan, organize, and track projects with tools like issue boards, milestones, and time tracking.

» Automate building, testing, and deployment processes.

» Easily import and manage code from various sources.

Pros of GitLab:

» Leverage the power of open-source with a community-driven platform.

» Maintain full ownership of data and infrastructure.

» Streamline workflows with integrated tools for development, operations, and security.

» Implement robust security measures and meet industry standards.

» Distribute and manage packages effectively.

Cons of GitLab:

» May require more time to master compared to simpler platforms.

» Self-hosting can demand significant hardware and administrative effort.

» Certain enterprise-level features might be less mature than competitors.

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What are the Similarities Between GitHub & GitLab?

Before we delve into GitHub vs GitLab and explore the difference between GitHub and GitLab, let’s first take a look at the similarities both of these version control systems have to offer:

» Third-Party Integrations: GitHub vs GitLab includes robust third-party interfaces that let developers integrate various tools and software into their workflows.

» Issue Tracking and Project Management: The integrated issue tracking and project management tools that GitLab vs GitHub offer allow app and web developers to manage tasks and milestones and collaborate successfully.

» Version Control with Git: Both GitHub and GitLab are built on top of Git, allowing developers to use their powerful version control capabilities for efficient code management.

» Wiki-Based Documentation: Wiki-based documentation is supported by both platforms, making it easier to store project-related data and spread knowledge among the team members.

» CI/CD Support: On one side where GitHub offers CI/CD integration through third-party apps, GitLab provides native CI/CD pipelines, making it an all-in-one solution for automated testing and deployment.

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What are the Differences Between GitHub Vs GitLab?

After covering the similarities, it’s time we look into some significant differences between GitHub and GitLab that will help you decide which one to choose better:

» Authentication and Access Control: Starting with one of the biggest differences between GitLab and GitHub. GitLab provides more flexibility in setting and modifying access permissions for different roles and responsibilities within the team, whereas GitHub offers simpler read/write access options.

» Pricing Models: Another critical difference between GitHub and GitLab difference is that GitLab offers a free plan with unlimited private repositories, making it more cost-effective for small to medium-sized teams. GitHub has free plans for public repositories but has paid options for private repositories.

» Self-Hosting Options: Self-hosting through GitLab is possible on your servers, giving you more control over repositories and data. GitHub, however, functions as a cloud-based service.

» Built-In Features: Project management, CI/CD, issue tracking, and other functions are all included in the comprehensive set of built-in capabilities of GitLab. Many of the functions GitHub offers are comparable. However, some require integration with external Programs.

» Project Analysis: GitLab allows users to review project development charts, while GitHub does not provide in-depth project analysis.

» Customization: When comparing GitHub vs GitLab, GitLab is highly customizable and can be tailored to fit specific needs, while GitHub has more limited customization options.

» Security Features: GitLab is suitable for projects with more significant security requirements since it has more robust security features, including fine-grained access controls and required code reviews.

» CI/CD Support: GitLab has built-in CI/CD pipelines, which makes it a one-stop shop for automated testing and deployment. Through third-party applications, GitHub provides CI/CD integration.

» License Compliance: Another significant difference between GitHub and GitLab difference is that GitLab offers built-in license compliance tools, ensuring codebases meet licensing requirements. GitHub needs this feature.

» Team Discussions: GitLab and GitHub support team discussions, fostering collaboration and communication within development teams.

» Load Performance Testing: GitHub offers load performance testing features in the app, while GitLab provides them in paid plans.

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Which one you should choose: GitHub vs GitLab?

To find out which one you choose from GitHub vs GitLab, you can consider these points:

Use GitLab if:

» You need a comprehensive DevOps platform with integrated CI/CD and security features.

» You prefer an all-in-one solution for the entire software development lifecycle.

» You require more control over your infrastructure with on-premises hosting.

Use GitHub if:

» You are working on open-source projects and want to leverage the largest developer community.

» You need a user-friendly interface and robust collaboration tools.

» You prefer extensive third-party integrations and a versatile development environment.

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The Final Verdict

Both GitHub and GitLab are powerful platforms that you can choose to enhance your software development process. The choice of GitHub vs GitLab will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and the nature of your projects.

GitLab’s all-in-one DevOps approach is ideal for developers searching for a comprehensive solution; on the other hand, GitHub’s ease of use and extensive community support makes it perfect for collaborative and open-source projects.

You can also get in touch with us to discuss which platform you should choose for your app development project!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which is better, GitLab or GitHub?

Ans. The "better" platform depends on specific project needs. GitHub often excels in open-source projects and has a larger community. GitLab offers more comprehensive features, including CI/CD, and allows self-hosting, making it suitable for organizations prioritizing control and security.

Q. Why do people use GitHub instead of GitLab?

Ans. Many people choose GitHub due to its large user base, simpler interface, and strong integration with other development tools. It also has a well-established reputation in the industry.

Q. Does NASA use GitLab?

Ans. While there's no publicly available information confirming NASA's specific use of GitLab, it's plausible that they use a combination of tools to manage their complex software projects. Many large organizations employ a mix of platforms to suit different project needs.

Q. Can I use both GitHub and GitLab?

Ans. Absolutely! Many teams use both platforms for different purposes. For example, public-facing projects might be hosted on GitHub, while internal projects with stricter security requirements could be managed on GitLab.

Q. What big companies use GitLab?

Ans. Several major companies have adopted GitLab, including SpaceX, Goldman Sachs, and Sony. These organizations often value GitLab's comprehensive feature set, self-hosting capabilities, and DevOps-centric approach.

Q. What is GitLab best for?

Ans. GitLab is particularly well-suited for projects requiring a complete DevOps lifecycle, including planning, development, testing, deployment, and monitoring. Its built-in CI/CD capabilities, issue tracking, and project management tools make it an efficient choice for teams seeking to streamline their workflows.