In this guide, we’ll explore how to create, manage, and use GitLab templates effectively. Learn how to define custom templates and integrate them into your workflows for consistent practices across all your projects.

What Are GitLab Templates?

GitLab templates are predefined configurations or content that can be reused across projects. Templates are available for various use cases, including:

  • CI/CD Pipelines: Reuse pipeline configurations to maintain consistency across builds, tests, and deployments.
  • Issue Templates: Standardize issue creation with predefined formats.
  • Merge Request Templates: Ensure consistent information is included in merge requests.
  • Code Templates: Provide boilerplate code for specific languages or frameworks.

Step 1: Creating a CI/CD Pipeline Template

CI/CD templates allow you to standardize pipeline configurations for your team. You can save them as reusable files and include them in multiple projects.

Example Pipeline Template:

# .ci-template.yml
stages:
  - build
  - test
  - deploy

build-job:
  stage: build
  script:
    - echo "Building the application..."
    - dotnet build

test-job:
  stage: test
  script:
    - echo "Running tests..."
    - dotnet test

deploy-job:
  stage: deploy
  script:
    - echo "Deploying application..."
    - kubectl apply -f k8s/production-deployment.yaml

Including the Template in a Project:

include:
  - local: '/path/to/.ci-template.yml'

Place the template in a shared repository or make it available in a group so it can be included in multiple projects.

Step 2: Creating Issue Templates

Issue templates standardize the format and content of issues, ensuring critical information is captured.

Creating an Issue Template:

  1. Navigate to your GitLab project and go to Repository > Templates > Issues.
  2. Create a new file and name it .gitlab/issue_templates/.md.
  3. Add content to the template:
## Summary
Provide a concise summary of the issue.

## Steps to Reproduce
1. Step one
2. Step two

## Expected Result
Describe the expected result.

## Actual Result
Describe the actual result.

## Additional Information
Include screenshots, logs, or other relevant details.

Using an Issue Template:

  1. Go to Issues > New Issue.
  2. Select a template from the Choose a template dropdown menu.
  3. Fill in the required details and submit the issue.

Step 3: Creating Merge Request Templates

Merge request templates help standardize the information provided during code reviews and approvals.

Creating a Merge Request Template:

  1. Navigate to Repository > Templates > Merge Requests.
  2. Create a new file and name it .gitlab/merge_request_templates/.md.
  3. Add content to the template:
## Description
Describe the changes made and their purpose.

## Related Issues
Link to any related issues (e.g., Closes #123).

## Testing Instructions
1. Steps for testing the changes
2. Expected results

## Screenshots
Include screenshots or logs, if applicable.

## Checklist
- [ ] Code is self-documented
- [ ] Tests have been added or updated
- [ ] All CI/CD pipelines pass

Using a Merge Request Template:

  1. Create a new merge request in your project.
  2. Select a template from the Choose a template dropdown menu.
  3. Complete the required sections and submit the merge request.

Step 4: Using Group-Level Templates

To share templates across multiple projects, create group-level templates:

  1. Navigate to your group and create a repository for storing templates (e.g., group-templates).
  2. Store your CI/CD, issue, and merge request templates in this repository.
  3. Update project configurations to include templates from the shared repository.

Example:

include:
  - project: 'group-name/group-templates'
    file: '/.ci-template.yml'

Step 5: Managing and Updating Templates

As your workflows evolve, update templates to reflect new requirements or best practices.

  • Version Control: Track changes to templates using GitLab’s version control features.
  • Documentation: Maintain clear documentation on how to use and customize templates.
  • Feedback Loop: Encourage team members to provide feedback on templates for continuous improvement.

Best Practices for Using Templates

  • Centralize Templates: Store templates in a shared repository for easy access.
  • Keep Templates Simple: Avoid overly complex configurations that might confuse users.
  • Update Regularly: Ensure templates remain relevant and aligned with team practices.
  • Provide Examples: Include example data in templates to guide users.
  • Train Your Team: Educate team members on the purpose and usage of templates.

Conclusion

GitLab templates are a powerful way to ensure consistency and efficiency across projects. By creating reusable templates for pipelines, issues, and merge requests, teams can standardize workflows and reduce manual effort. Start leveraging GitLab templates today to streamline your project management and development processes.