GitHub or GitLab, that is the question

Which distributed version control system—GitHub or GitLab—should you choose for a programming project?

First of all, If all you're doing is developing internal software, all you need is a standalone local Git instance on your server. Git can be utilized on your servers or in the cloud as a centralized VCS. When you can create your own VCS, there's no need to pay for one. This architecture makes managing a project with a team and partners worldwide simple.

However, if you require all the armory of a hosted Git service, let me explain everything, from the variations in software services to the parallels in user interfaces and fundamental principles.

Differences between GitHub and GitLab

The main distinction is that DevOps and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) procedures are built into GitLab. You can use the CI/CD tools of your choice with GitHub, but you'll have to integrate them manually. Most GitHub users utilize a third-party CI tool like Jenkins, CircleCI, or TravisCI. Another significant distinction is that GitLab emphasizes dependability, whereas GitHub favors speed.

Merging or separating branches

GitHub encourages you to merge new branches with the master branch. In this manner, you'll be prepared to deploy rapidly and, if something goes wrong, easily roll back to your previous version.

You establish additional yet distinct stable branches outside of the master branch for each set of changes you make using GitLab's workflow. You will have at least pre-production and stable production branches. A multi-step testing procedure is necessary for the multiple branch technique. One code review is insufficient after a merge request.

Of course, you may make either function as you like, but the recommended methods for the two systems differ substantially.

Services

Another significant distinction is that GitLab provides a comprehensive software development solution. For a good reason, they promote themselves as a full-featured DevOps platform. Despite this, GitLab does provide connectors with several third-party applications and platforms, including Jira, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Gmail, and many others.

On the other hand, GitHub provides fewer functions within its own application but provides a means to interface with numerous external applications and services. These include applications that GitHub has developed for the service's integration and hundreds of other programs accessible through the GitHub Marketplace.

Similarities between GitHub and GitLab

GitHub and GitLab resemble one another more often than not. Both are supported by issue trackers, run on Linux servers, and provide a large selection of third-party integrations and import tools.

Additionally, they both include web-based interfaces for beginning programmers as well as command-line interfaces (CLI) for experienced developers.

In the instance of GitLab, the user interface is created using Vue.js and the company's own Pajamas design system. The desktop application for GitHub is accessible on either Windows or macOS. GitHub and Visual Studio are now compatible.

The repositories have a mixed programming model, although both embrace open-source. The commercial model adopted by GitLab was open-core. The GitLab Community Edition continues to be free and open-source in this model, while the GitLab Enterprise Edition has more features and includes support.

GitHub is not an open-source project, despite some open-source code being present in its code.

However, both provide web-based repositories with open-source, Git-based code management and local file modifications with a remote repository. Therefore, either service will work well for you if all you need is basic Git capability but with someone else to take care of keeping Git up and running.

Cost

Each provider provides a free plan. These offer an infinite number of both public and private repositories. If you're a lone programmer or have a small team, that can be plenty for you. However, you'll need more if programming is your business' main focus.

GitLab's Premium plan is $19 per month per user, while the $99 per month for the Ultimate plan with all the features. The Team plan for GitHub costs $40 annually per user, whereas the Enterprise plan costs $200 annually per person.

However, don't make your choice solely focusing on the prices. What matters the most is which Git VCS will provide you with the resources and assistance you require to create your program most effectively.