GitLab is an open-source code repository that allows teams and companies to collaborate on large software development projects. This complete DevOps platform provides teams with space and resources to perform any task to complete their projects.
However, developers are always advised to back up their progress. That’s because GitLab follows the Shared Responsibility Model, which explains that all your data is your responsibility. Therefore, we’ve prepared five best strategies to back up your GitLab data and keep it from getting lost.
Why Do You Need to Back up Your GitLab Data?
Companies that use GitLab to develop their software are all aware of the potential data loss that could set the company back. Data loss can occur due to viruses, ransomware attacks, or other vulnerabilities that appeared while developing. These scenarios are frequent, so you must protect your data with a GitLab backup.
Furthermore, the Shared Responsibility Model implies that users share the responsibility for their data protection with GitLab. GitLab is responsible for creating and maintaining reasonable security measures, such as preventing unauthorized access, ensuring user data is confidential, and protecting user data from potential threats.
On the other hand, users are responsible for their data. This responsibility includes creating regular backups of their progress to avoid losing it.
Lastly, companies and organizations must meet legal regulations and other requirements to ensure the validity and trust of their customers. To ensure a reliable product, they must pass various security checks, such as ISO 27001 and GDPR. These security standards often include a regular and secure backup strategy.
GitLab Backup Strategies
GitLab is a widely used open-source platform that numerous companies rely on. However, while GitLab is relatively secure, it lacks backup features, so users must ensure their data is safely backed up. Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure GitLab backup. We’ve prepared five key backup strategies to help you protect your data.
1. Backup and Restore Utility
One method that users can employ is the Backup and Restore utility. Its built-in Rake feature allows users to create an archive file and store all their GitLab data. This feature can be performed by using a specific command. However, your command depends on which version of GitLab you have installed.
If your company has installed GitLab from the source, you can use the command: sudo -u git -H exec rake gitlab:backup:create RAILS_ENV=production.
If you installed GitLab using the Omnibus package, you have two commands depending on your GitLab version. For GitLab version 12.2 and later, use this command: sudo gitlab-backup create. For GitLab version 12.1 and earlier, use this command: gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create.
Lastly, if you’re using the Docker container to run GitLab, you can start the backup from the host. Therefore, if you’re using GitLab version 12.2 or later, use this command: docker exec -t <container name> gitlab-backup create. If you’re using GitLab version 12.1 or earlier, use this command: docker exec -t <container name> gitlab-rake gitlab:backup:create.
2. Cloning a GitLab Repository
Another reliable way to back up your GitLab database is to clone your repository. That will create a local copy of all your data that can be accessed from your computer. If you clone your repository, you can use SSH, HTTPS, or Personal access tokens.
To clone your GitLab repo using SSH, use the command: git@gitlab.com:gitlab-tests/sample-project.git.
To clone your repository using HTTPS, use the command: https://gitlab.com/gitlab-tests/sample-project.git.
To clone your repo using Personal access tokens, use the command: git clone https://<username>:<token>@gitlab.example.com/tanuki/awesome_project.git.
3. Manual Export From GitLab
You can also manually export your GitLab data and create a backup. All you need to do is download your files and save them locally on your device.
However, manual backup doesn’t contain your metadata, so you can’t save a complete copy of your project. Moreover, manually downloading repositories and all the data can be excruciating.
4. GitLab Dedicated
While GitLab doesn’t offer backup features, you can always upgrade your plan to GitLab Dedicated. This upgraded plan comes with better encryption and backup features. GitLab Dedicated performs regular backups that are secured in appointed storage locations.
5. Third-party Backup Tools
Finally, you can also use some reliable third-party backup tools to protect your GitLab data from getting lost. However, only a few third-party tools can support GitLab backups, so if you decide to back up your GitLab repo, we suggest you try GitProtect.io or BackupLABS.
Conclusion
GitLab is a perfect open-source platform that allows code developers to collaborate and create elaborate software and projects. With its extensive tools and features, developers can complete their projects from planning to launching and monitoring on the same platform. It allows an organized flow of project tasks within larger companies.
However, to avoid losing their data, developers must make backups. Since GitLab doesn’t directly offer backup features, there are numerous other ways to ensure your data is secure. The top five backup strategies include the Backup and Restore utility, cloning a repository, manually exporting data, upgrading to GitLab Dedicated, and using third-party backup tools.
Scoopearth@Himanshu 
Scoopearth@Himanshu 
Scoopearth@Himanshu 