# Host Your Own GitHub Alternative with GitLab

## What is GitLab?

GitLab is an open source end-to-end software development platform with built-in version control, issue tracking, code review, CI/CD, and more. Self-host GitLab on your own servers, in a container, or on a cloud provider. -https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab

## Installing GitLab

1. Log into the Linux device
2. Run the following commands in a terminal:
   # update software repositories
   sudo apt update
   # install software updates
   sudo apt upgrade -y
   # install preprequisites
   sudo apt install curl openssh-server ca-certificates perl -y
   # add gitlab software repository
   curl -sS https://packages.gitlab.com/install/repositories/gitlab/gitlab-ce/script.deb.sh | sudo bash
   # install gitlab, change the URL in the script below to match the DNS name of the host server
   sudo EXTERNAL_URL="http://DNSofHOST" apt install gitlab-ce
3. Open a web browser and navigate to http://DNSorIP
4. Enter and confirm a new password
5. Login with the username root and the password created in the previous step
6. Welcome to GitLab

Source: https://about.gitlab.com/