How do I create account and first project?

# Sign Up for GitLab and Explore UI 1. Go to [gitlab.com](https://gitlab.com) and click **Sign up**. 2. Enter your email, create a username and password, or sign up with Google/GitHub. 3. Verify your email. 4. In the dashboard, click **New project** > **Create blank project**. 5. Name it (e.g., `my-first-project`), set visibility to Private/Public, and **Create project**. Explore: Projects, Issues, Merge Requests tabs.

How do I install git and configure ssh?

# Set Up Local Git Environment 1. Install Git: [docs.gitlab.com/topics/git/how_to_install_git](https://docs.gitlab.com/topics/git/how_to_install_git/) - Windows: Download from git-scm.com - macOS: `brew install git` or Xcode - Linux: `sudo apt install git` 2. Configure: `git config --global user.name "Your Name"` and `git config --global user.email "your@email.com"` 3. Generate SSH key: `ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your@email.com"` 4. Add public key (~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub) to GitLab: User Settings > SSH Keys. 5. Test: `ssh -T git@gitlab.com` 69

How do I clone, edit, commit, and push?

# Perform Basic Git Operations 1. In your project, copy SSH clone URL (e.g., `git@gitlab.com:username/my-first-project.git`). 2. Clone: `git clone ` 3. `cd my-first-project` 4. Create file: `echo "# My Project" > README.md` 5. Stage: `git add .` 6. Commit: `git commit -m "Initial commit"` 7. Push: `git push origin main` 69 Verify changes appear in GitLab UI.

How do I branches and merge requests?

# Collaborate with Branches and MRs 1. Create branch: `git checkout -b feature-branch` 2. Edit README.md, `git add .`, `git commit -m "Add feature"`, `git push origin feature-branch` 3. In GitLab UI: **Merge Requests** > **New merge request**. 4. Select source/target branches, add title/description, **Create merge request**. 5. Review, approve, and merge (or use web IDE for simplicity). Reference: [docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/merge_requests](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/merge_requests/)

How do I build your first ci/cd pipeline?

# Automate with GitLab CI/CD 1. Create `.gitlab-ci.yml` in repo root: ```yaml stages: - test test: stage: test script: - echo "Hello GitLab CI" ``` 2. Commit and push. 3. View **CI/CD > Pipelines** to see it run. Expand with jobs for build/test/deploy. Tutorial: [docs.gitlab.com/ee/ci/quick_start](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/ci/quick_start/) 50

Master GitLab Basics: Setup to CI/CD in 5 Steps

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Step-by-Step Guide

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Sign Up for GitLab and Explore UI

Go to gitlab.com and click Sign up.
Enter your email, create a username and password, or sign up with Google/GitHub.
Verify your email.
In the dashboard, click New project > Create blank project.
Name it (e.g., my-first-project), set visibility to Private/Public, and Create project.

Explore: Projects, Issues, Merge Requests tabs.

Why this step matters:

-Builds familiarity with GitLab's interface for efficient navigation
-Enables hands-on practice from day one in real projects

15-30 minutes

Web browser, GitLab.com account, Email

$0

Definition of Done

•Account created and verified
•First project successfully created
•Can navigate to project dashboard

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Forgetting to verify email

→Check spam folder and click verification link

❌ Public vs Private confusion

→Choose Private for personal learning to avoid exposure

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Master GitLab Basics: Setup to CI/CD in 5 Steps