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GitLab CI/CD logo
GitLab CI/CD logo

GitLab CI/CD

Built-in CI/CD for GitLab

freemiumopen sourceupdated Apr 21, 2026

GitLab's built-in CI/CD pipeline system defined via .gitlab-ci.yml files in your repository. Features multi-stage pipelines, parallel jobs, matrix builds, environments with deployment tracking, merge train for serialized merges, auto DevOps for zero-config CI/CD, container registry, and security scanning (SAST/DAST). Supports self-hosted runners and Kubernetes executors. Tightly integrated with GitLab's merge requests and issue tracking. A leading alternative to GitHub Actions for GitLab users.

GitLab CI/CD is a comprehensive continuous integration and delivery platform integrated directly into the GitLab DevSecOps platform, providing pipeline automation alongside source code management, issue tracking, and security scanning in a single application. Pipelines are defined in a .gitlab-ci.yml file at the root of each repository, using a YAML syntax that describes jobs, stages, and their dependencies. GitLab CI is available on both the SaaS platform and self-managed installations, giving organizations full control over their CI/CD infrastructure.

The platform offers advanced pipeline features including merge trains to keep the main branch stable, parent-child pipelines for breaking complex workflows into manageable pieces, multi-project pipelines for cross-repository orchestration, and directed acyclic graph scheduling for optimal parallelization. GitLab CI integrates built-in security scanning for SAST, DAST, dependency analysis, and container scanning, with secret detection and validity checking. Recent releases have introduced fine-grained CI/CD job token permissions and AI-powered capabilities for code suggestions.

GitLab CI/CD serves development teams and organizations that prefer an all-in-one DevSecOps platform over a patchwork of separate tools. It is particularly popular with enterprises that need self-hosted CI/CD infrastructure, compliance controls, and built-in security scanning. The platform supports deployments to Kubernetes, serverless platforms, and traditional servers, with progressive delivery capabilities like canary deployments and feature flags for controlled rollouts.

Pricing

Free (400 min/mo) / Premium $29/user/mo / Ultimate $99/user/mo

Platforms

GitLab (cloud + self-managed)

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FAQ

What is GitLab CI/CD?

GitLab's built-in CI/CD pipeline system defined via .gitlab-ci.yml files in your repository. Features multi-stage pipelines, parallel jobs, matrix builds, environments with deployment tracking, merge train for serialized merges, auto DevOps for zero-config CI/CD, container registry, and security scanning (SAST/DAST). Supports self-hosted runners and Kubernetes executors. Tightly integrated with GitLab's merge requests and issue tracking. A leading alternative to GitHub Actions for GitLab users.

Is GitLab CI/CD free?

GitLab CI/CD offers a free tier alongside paid plans. Free (400 min/mo) / Premium $29/user/mo / Ultimate $99/user/mo

Is GitLab CI/CD open source?

Yes — GitLab CI/CD is open source.

What are the best GitLab CI/CD alternatives?

The top editor-verified GitLab CI/CD alternatives are Concourse, Resolve AI.