Git and Related Tools

Git is a very versatile version control tool, but there are multiple tools and services that complement and extend its capabilities, making it easier to use and improving development workflows. In this section, we will explore some of the most popular tools related to Git, such as GitLab and GitHub, as well as other tools for continuous integration, automation, and project management.

Introduction to GitLab and GitHub

GitHub and GitLab are two of the most popular platforms for project hosting and version control using Git. Both offer a variety of tools that facilitate collaboration, project management, and continuous integration, but they have distinct features and approaches that may influence the choice between them.

Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

One of the main advantages of using Git with platforms like GitHub and GitLab is the ability to integrate CI/CD workflows. These tools allow teams to configure pipelines that run automated tests and deploy code to production servers, all triggered by a commit or pull request.

  • GitLab CI/CD: GitLab offers its own integrated CI/CD system, allowing the execution of full pipelines from branch creation to application deployment.
  • GitHub Actions: A powerful tool from GitHub to automate tasks like testing, deploying applications, and other actions triggered by repository events.

Automating Processes with Git

Git can be integrated with other tools to automate processes within the development lifecycle. These tools help improve efficiency and ensure best practices are followed without manual intervention.

  • Git Hooks: Git allows configuring hooks, scripts that run automatically when specific events occur, such as a commit or push. These can be used to validate code, run automated tests, or format code before making a commit.

Using Git with Graphical Tools

Although Git is primarily used from the command line, there are graphical tools that make it easier to manage, especially for those who prefer visual interfaces or are just starting to learn Git.

  • Sourcetree: A free graphical tool developed by Atlassian that simplifies the management of Git and Mercurial repositories. Ideal for developers who prefer to visualize branches, commits, and pull requests.

  • GitKraken: An intuitive and visual graphical tool that makes it easy to manage repositories, branches, commits, and merges. It also offers direct integration with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.