GitLab vs Gitblit: What are the differences?

Introduction:

GitLab and Gitblit are both software development platforms that provide version control system capabilities. While they serve a similar purpose, there are several key differences between them. In this Markdown document, we will outline six of the main distinctions between GitLab and Gitblit.

1. Hosting Options: GitLab offers both a cloud-based version (GitLab.com) and a self-hosted version (GitLab CE/EE), giving users the flexibility to choose between a managed service or hosting it on their own infrastructure. On the other hand, Gitblit is primarily designed as a self-hosted solution, which means users have to set up and manage their own Gitblit instance.

2. User Interface: GitLab provides a more modern and visually appealing user interface, making it more user-friendly and intuitive. It offers a wide range of features accessible through its interface, such as issue tracking, code review, and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines. Gitblit, on the other hand, has a simpler interface that focuses primarily on providing the core functionality of version control.

3. Integration with External Tools: GitLab has a strong focus on integration and offers seamless connections with various external tools and platforms, such as issue trackers, project management tools, and third-party services. It provides extensive APIs and webhooks to facilitate integration with other systems. Gitblit, while it does support some integrations, may not have the same level of flexibility and breadth of integrations as GitLab.

4. Built-in CI/CD: GitLab has an integrated CI/CD system, referred to as GitLab CI/CD, which enables users to automate their software delivery pipelines. It provides powerful features such as parallel execution, detailed job logs, and integration with container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes. Gitblit, on the other hand, does not have built-in CI/CD capabilities and requires users to set up separate tools for implementing continuous integration and deployment.

5. Community and Support: GitLab has a large and active user community, making it easier to find online resources, documentation, and community-driven support. It also benefits from the contributions of its open-source community, leading to frequent updates and improvements. Gitblit, while it does have a user community, may not have the same level of community support and resources as GitLab.

6. Pricing Model: GitLab offers both a free community edition (GitLab CE) and a paid enterprise edition (GitLab EE) with additional features and support. The enterprise edition is available as a subscription-based licensing model. Gitblit, on the other hand, is an open-source project and is free to use without any licensing costs.

In summary, GitLab provides a more versatile hosting solution with options for both cloud-based and self-hosted instances, a modern user interface with extensive features, and robust integration capabilities. It also offers a built-in CI/CD system and benefits from a large user community. On the other hand, Gitblit is primarily focused on self-hosted instances, has a simpler interface, offers fewer integration options, lacks built-in CI/CD capabilities, and may have a smaller support community.