Introduction

As we delve deep into the world of source code management, two names often come up, GitHub and GitLab. Certainly, almost all the code dwells in either GitHub or GitLab which makes sense in the OSS-dependent, cloud-based environment. If we talk about the importance of  GitHub and GitLab, the OSS-dependent and collaborative application development would not have existed as they do, without GitHub or GitLab.  Looking at the popularity of GitHub and GitLab, GitHub has almost 56 million users and GitLab has over 31 million users across the globe. It is surveyed that more than 35% of the Java Developers opt for GitLab over the other code repositories. Being quite considerate among the developers, it provides a lot of desirable features for its users.   So, most of the mobile app developers and other people involved in software development end up asking questions about GitHub and GitLab differences, which is the better option, and a lot more. GitHub vs GitLab - which is a better app development platform for your IT team? Does your project really require a Version Control System? What is the best for deployment, code management, and monitoring?  So, firstly what are version control systems?  Version Control Systems are software tools that help in recording changes to the files by tracking the changes that are made in the file. To put it in simple words, version control systems keep track of the changes made to a particular software and take a screenshot of every modification. There are many VCSs, for example, GitLab, Git, Beanstalk, Mercurial, etc., among which Git and Gitlab are the most popular ones.  In this blog, we will clear all your confusions regarding GitHub and GitLab and take you through their main differences. Read further to know more.

The Origin of Git - Introduction to Source Code Management

Before comparing GitLab vs GitHub, we must make ourselves familiar with What is Git. When we talk about software development, Git has revolutionized the way programmers collaborate and manage codes through Git projects. It is a powerful tool that allows efficient code management, enabling programmers to track changes, revert to the previous versions of the code, and seamlessly collaborate. As a result, Git has become the backbone of various project management tools, including two of the most popular platforms, GitHub and GitLab.  Both of these platforms are built on Git’s robust framework, offering built-in code review and collaboration tools. For example, both of these platforms allow for real-time code reviewing and discussion of pull requests. The real-time code reviewing and discussion allow developers to make changes, review code differences visually, and catch mistakes early, thereby reducing the potential for major errors or security flaws.  Both GitHub and GitLab provide robust tools for code collaboration and review, making them indispensable for modern development teams. Their review tools highlight all changes, enabling reviewers to quickly identify discrepancies and ensuring a smoother code review process. This simplicity and efficiency contribute to Git's widespread popularity among developers and project managers. In addition to their collaboration features, GitHub and GitLab excel in project management. GitLab allows users to establish a clear hierarchy between issues, create detailed task lists, and assign specific branches to different developers. This structured approach streamlines workflows and enhances project efficiency. Similarly, GitHub offers powerful project management features, such as categorizing issues, pull requests, and notes for better organization. Its Marketplace further expands its functionality, providing access to various tools and extensions that cater to diverse development needs. In summary, Git's foundation paved the way for the development of GitHub and GitLab—two platforms that have revolutionized code management, collaboration, and project organization. Their extensive features make them essential tools in the ever-evolving landscape of software development.

Understanding GitHub and GitLab: The Basics

GitLab and GitHub are the two widely used Git repositories for managing code repositories and facilitating development operations. Both platforms have gradually grown significantly among the developers, owing to their powerful features and user-friendly interfaces.  Many MNCs and other big organizations like NVIDIA, Sony, NASA, IBM, and Siemens already are taking advantage of these platforms to manage their software development projects and allow for seamless collaborative work among their development teams. Though both platforms offer similar functionalities like merge requests and version control, they both have different features to cater to different user needs and preferences. Understanding the basics of these platforms is very crucial for people entering the software development realm. 

What is GitLab?

GitLab has established itself as a key player in source code management, offering a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for software development, DevOps, and code repository management. Trusted by industry leaders like NVIDIA, Sony, and IBM, GitLab’s robust version control capabilities make it an indispensable resource for global development teams. Its ability to facilitate seamless collaboration across borders has solidified its position as a cornerstone in managing complex software development operations. For example, NASA leverages GitLab to coordinate efforts among teams working on diverse projects, highlighting the platform’s adaptability and scalability. Additionally, hosting a GitLab server gives users greater control over their repositories, enhances security by keeping sensitive code private, and eliminates storage constraints often associated with cloud-based solutions.

Who Created GitLab?

GitLab was developed by two visionary developers after they felt the need for a better Git repository management tool. This development has become the cornerstone of the modern software development landscape. Dmitriy and Valery both were software developers who got frustrated with the existing Git repository management process at that time. That was where they felt the need for a better, more user-friendly, and scalable tool that could be available for everyone irrespective of their expertise level.  Thus, GitLab was created. Its first version was released in 2011 and quickly gained traction among developers worldwide. Today, GitLab is trusted by millions of developers, businesses, and organizations of all sizes.

Features of GitLab

  • Imported code repository from Bitbucket or Google Code 
  • Community edition open-source repository platform 
  • Seamless maintenance of repositories on a server 
  • Multiple tools for time tracking, group milestones, issue tracking, and more 
  • Robust UI and authentication features 
  • Enhanced branch protection and user permissions

Advantages of GitLab

  • Open-source license for transparency and flexibility  
  • Self-hosting capabilities available on all plans  
  • User-friendly package distribution services  
  • Full CI/CD lifecycle support for seamless workflows  
  • Simplified code maintenance  
  • Platform-wide governance and automated security features  
  • Faster cycle times and reduced toolchain sprawl

Disadvantages of GitLab

  • Slower interface performance compared to alternatives  
  • Requires active bug management throughout the software lifecycle  
  • Lacks certain enterprise-level software development features  
  • Repositories often encounter common issues
GitHub became popular because of its early market entry and the all-inclusive ecosystem it offers. Launched in 2008, GitHub had a significant head start over GitLab, launched three years later in 2011 as an open-source project. Its built-in continuous integration abilities and free options for private, self-hosted servers quickly made it a favorite among developers.  GitHub's focus on streamlined code collaboration and its seamless integration with Git for version control further enhanced its appeal. These features strengthened its position as a go-to platform for developers, contributing to its widespread adoption and market dominance. 

Who Created GitHub?

GitHub was founded in 2008 by Tom Preston-Werner, Chris Wanstrath, and PJ Hyett. They aimed to create a platform that would simplify code collaboration and make it easier for developers to share their work. The idea stemmed from their belief that existing tools for code collaboration were lacking. They envisioned a user-friendly platform with powerful features, accessible to developers worldwide. After building the first version of GitHub, they launched it in April 2008. The platform quickly gained traction and recognition within the developer community.

Features of GitHub 

  • Specified labels and milestones to organize your project effectively  
  • Easy branch comparison with a complete side-by-side view  
  • Supports publishing and hosting websites directly on GitHub  
  • Robust syntax highlighting for better code readability  
  • Integration with third-party APIs for cloud hosting and bug tracking

Advantages of GitHub

  • Simplifies documentation sharing for teams  
  • Features a robust open-source codebase structure  
  • Advanced and quick repository search capabilities  
  • Enables swift integration with third-party providers  
  • Offers extensive support for SVN, HG, and TFS  
  • Includes both paid and free service options

Disadvantages of GitHub

  • Limited support for efficient REST and RESTful API development  
  • Private repositories on GitHub can be costly  
  • Offers a narrower range of development functionalities compared to some competitors  
  • Not entirely free, with costs associated with certain features and plans  
  • Imposes space limitations on repositories

GitLab vs GitHub - Are They Same or Different?

The GitHub-GitLab relationship is more of a competition than a sibling rivalry. These two online code repository platforms are offered by two different companies. GitLab is the product of GitLab Inc. and is completely remote and privately owned with 1300+ strong people. Whereas, GitHub is the child product of Microsoft with its headquarters situated in San Francisco with 1600+ people globally.  Both platforms offer robust source code management solutions, competing for user preference in the developers' community. Although they have similar offerings, they differentiate themselves with their unique features and benefits, where users can choose one as per their preferences and requirements. 

Similarities Between GitHub and GitLab

GitHub and GitLab are the two robust code repositories that have reshaped the software development landscape. While understanding the differences between both is crucial, knowing the similarities is equally important. They share many similarities such as the use of Git for version control, they also have distinct features that set them apart. GitHub Actions and GitLab’s DevOps platform are key examples of features that set these platforms apart. The choice between GitHub and GitLab often depends on user preferences, with factors like project management tools, third-party integrations, and pricing playing a significant role. Both platforms aim to streamline the development process by providing robust customization options and intuitive interfaces, making them essential resources for development teams.
Parameters  GitHub and GitLab - Similarities 
Third-Party Integration Services Both, GitHub and GitLab come with a lot of third-party integrations
Issues Set Up  Milestones, assignees, and problem statuses can be quickly set in both GitHub and GitLab 
Clear Labeling Scheme Both these code repository platforms use a clear labeling scheme to enable streamlined software development monitoring practices
Issues Tracking Both have issue-tracking features that help appoint members to resolve issues and update their status on demand 
Self-Hosted  GitHub and GitLab, both offer self-hosted versions, however, GitHub comes with enterprise plans
CI/CD Services CI/CD services are available on GitHub with Third-party apps, GitLab has pre-configured
Preview Code Changes  Previewing code changes is possible on both platforms
Wiki-Based Documentation Both GitHub and GitLab have Wiki-based extensive documentation
Multiple Issue Assignees  GitHub offers a public repository with a free plan, whereas Gitlab has paid plans for the same
Team Discussions  Team Discussions are possible with both these code repository platforms
Project Management Dashboard  Both support project management dashboard 
Load Performance Testing GitHub provides load performance testing features in the app, whereas GitLab has paid plans

GitHub vs GitLab - Key Differences

As we know both these source code management platforms share similar grounds, however, that doesn’t mean that they are exactly the same. There are a few significant differences that set both of them apart from each other. Let’s know the differences… 
  • GitHub provides a free private repository with up to three collaborators, while GitLab offers free private repositories without any limitations.  
  • GitLab is a repository hosting manager tool focused on the software development process, whereas GitHub is a repository hosting service that emphasizes access control and collaboration.  
  • GitHub enables users to navigate usability features, while GitLab provides a navigation feature specifically for exploring repositories.  
  • GitHub allows users to choose CI/CD tools after integration, while GitLab comes with built-in CI/CD tools and integrated DevOps workflows.  
  • GitLab lets users set and modify permission roles, whereas GitHub limits permissions to read or write access to repositories.  
  • GitHub focuses on speed, whereas GitLab prioritizes reliability.  
  • In terms of security, GitLab is more secure than GitHub, offering features like a security dashboard, license compliance, SAST, DAST, Dependency Scanning, and Container Scanning, which GitHub lacks.  
  • GitLab is a cloud-native application, while GitHub is commonly used for sharing work publicly.  

Tabular Comparison of GitHub vs GitLab

Parameters  GitLab  GitHub
Levels of Authentication  With GitLab, setting and modifying access and permissions is easy as per different roles and responsibilities  With GitHub, you can decide whether or not to give read or write access to team members
CI/CD Services GitLab offers in-built CI for free and GitLab CI provides DevOps Automation Solutions  It needs additional apps like Heroku to use CI/CD Services
Import and Export  GitLab offers rooted documentation about how to import/export data from other vendors GitHub does not provide detailed documentation for popular Git repositories
Workflow GitLab emphasizes workflow reliability GitHub emphasizes workflow speed 
Complete Platform GitLab is a packaged complete platform rather than offering choices to create a platform with different apps GitHub has 374 free applications in its marketplace along with many paid options to boot
Self-hosted Installation for Private Server  With GitLab, you can host a private GitLab version on your virtual machine through a free GitLab plan Hosting a private version is only possible with the GitHub enterprise plan
Open-Sourced  It is open-source for the community edition It is close-core and not open-source
Public Repository  It allows developers to make a public repository  It allows developers to leverage unlimited free repositories 
Project Analysis  Users can review project development charts   Users cannot get project analysis, but they can review the commit history
 

Pricing Plans - GitLab vs GitHub

GitLab and GitHub are the two most common Git repository hosting platforms, offering developers plenty of features and tools to manage their coding projects. However, when pricing plans are considered, there are significant differences between the two:
Pricing Plans 
GitLab  GitHub
Free Plan: Offers unlimited private repositories, unlimited collaborators, and 100 GB of storage. Free Plan: Provides basic features, including public repositories, unlimited collaborators, and 500MB of storage.
Premium Plan: Starts at $19 per user per month and provides additional features such as code review, issue tracking, continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines. Team Plan: Starts at $4 per user per month, offering additional features such as private repositories, advanced tools, and 2GB of storage per user.
Ultimate Plan: Provides advanced features such as enterprise-grade security, governance, and compliance with pricing starting at $99 per user per month. Enterprise Plan: Tailored for larger organizations, offering advanced security, compliance, and management features, with pricing starting at $21 per user per month. 
GitHub One Plan: Designed for businesses that require an enterprise-level solution across all of their GitHub accounts and starts at $21 per user per month.
On the whole, GitHub is much more cost-effective than GitLab. However, some of the amazing features come in GitLab’s ultimate plan, however, you can only get these in GitHub if you have an Enterprise Cloud or Advanced Security Enterprise Server. In a nutshell, GitHub is quite cheaper than GitLab with paid plans, starting from $4 per user/month, while GitLab is expensive with paid plans, starting from $21 per user/month.

GitHub vs GitLab vs BitBucket

As a cherry on top, we introduce another powerful version control system that has emerged as a strong competitor to both GitHub and GitLab – Bitbucket. Including Bitbucket in the discussion helps paint a broader picture of how these platforms compare in a competitive landscape.   Let’s dive in and explore the comparisons between GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket to understand their strengths and differences.  
Parameters  BitBucket GitLab GitHub
Owner  Atlassian GitLab Inc Microsoft
Programming Language Used to Develop the Platform  Python Ruby, Go, VueJS Ruby
Best For  Corporate Oriented Teams  Complete DevOps Lifecycle Implementation  Major Part of Development Community 
Not Suitable For  Small Open-Source Projects  Big Open-Source Projects  Projects that require keeping code out of third-party services 
Companies Using the Platform Atlassian, Citi, General Motors, Mastercard, Groupe BPCE, etc. GitLab, LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), Lockheed Martin, Groupe Talents Handicap, etc.  Ford Motor Company, Optum, Microsoft, IBM, Cognizant Technology Solutions, etc
Open Source  It is not open-source  It is open-source It is not open-source
Free Private Repositories  Unlimited Upto 5 Team Members Unlimited Unlimited
Free Public Repositories  Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Storage Limit  1GB 5GB 500MB
Integrations  Trello, Jira, Bamboo, and Opsgenie Bugzilla, Jira, and Custom Issue Tracker Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, and Windows Azure 
Issue Templates or Merge Request BitKucket does not have such functionality  GitLab Inc Users can ask for Issue Templates or Merge Request
Integrated CI  Bitbucket provides integrated CI functionality GitLab platform offers Integrated CI functionality Third-party apps can be used to leverage integrated CI functionalities
Navigation Usability It does not consist of such functionalities  GitLab has navigation usability as a functionality  GitHub has navigation usability as a functionality
 

GitHub vs GitLab -  Which One to Choose?

Both GitHub and GitLab are robust tools for managing codes and collaborating on software projects, and choosing any one totally depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. 

When to Choose GitHub over GitLab?

Choosing between GitLab and GitHub depends on your specific preferences and project requirements. While both platforms offer Git repository hosting and collaboration tools, GitLab provides unique advantages that might make it the better fit for your needs:  
  • For Open-Source Projects: If you're working on or contributing to open-source projects, GitHub is ideal due to its larger open-source community and reputation as the leading platform for open-source development.  
  • Cost-Effectiveness: If budget is a concern, GitLab may suit you better, as it offers unlimited free private repositories.  
  • Advanced Features: GitLab stands out with built-in features like continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), project management, and issue tracking, making it a strong choice for teams needing advanced capabilities.  
  • Enhanced Security: GitLab provides robust security features, such as mandatory code reviews and fine-grained access controls. If security is a priority, GitLab offers a more secure environment.  

When to Choose GitLab over GitHub?

  • Private Projects: For private projects, GitLab is a better option as it offers robust tools for managing private repositories and provides greater control over user access.  
  • Self-Hosting: GitLab allows self-hosting on your own servers, giving you full control over your repositories and data, while GitHub primarily operates as a cloud-based service.  
  • All-in-One Solution: GitLab includes built-in features like CI/CD, code review, and issue tracking. While GitHub offers similar features, some require third-party integrations. If you prefer an all-in-one platform, GitLab might be the better fit.  
  • Customization: GitLab is highly customizable and can be adapted to meet specific needs, whereas GitHub offers fewer customization options. For tailored version control solutions, GitLab is a stronger choice.  

 The Ultimate Decision: Choosing Between GitHub and GitLab  

Selecting between GitHub and GitLab requires a thoughtful evaluation of key factors:  
  • Collaboration: GitHub’s larger community may appeal to developers focused on teamwork and open-source contributions.  
  • Features and Control: GitLab offers a more extensive toolset, including built-in CI/CD and self-hosting options, catering to teams seeking an all-in-one solution.  
  • Branch Management: Both platforms handle merging and managing branches effectively, but GitLab’s advanced features might give it an edge for complex workflows.  
  • Security: GitLab’s robust security tools, like SAST and DAST, might be a deciding factor for teams prioritizing safety.  
  • Cost: Pricing models differ, with GitLab offering unlimited free private repositories, which may be a better fit for budget-conscious teams.  
The decision should ultimately reflect the unique priorities of developers or organizations, ensuring the chosen platform supports their specific workflow and goals.

GitHub vs GitLab: The 2024 Perspective  

As we step into 2024, the GitHub vs. GitLab debate remains as pertinent as ever. Both platforms have undergone significant evolution, adding new features and refining their tools to better cater to the diverse needs of developers and teams.   In the coming year, users can expect both GitHub and GitLab to continue innovating, ensuring they stay competitive in an ever-changing development landscape. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences, project requirements, budget constraints, and the importance of specific features. The choice will continue to hinge on what best aligns with the unique demands of each user or organization. As the GitLab vs. GitHub debate persists, GitHub’s future trends for 2024 are crucial to consider. The platform is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory by refining its features to address the ever-changing needs of developers globally.  
  • Enhanced Collaboration: GitHub is likely to focus on advancing its collaboration tools, simplifying teamwork, and enabling smoother project workflows.  
  • Stronger Security: Anticipated improvements in security features aim to safeguard code repositories, making them more robust against evolving cyber threats.  
  • Seamless Integrations: GitHub is expected to enhance its integration with third-party tools and platforms, fostering a more cohesive and streamlined user experience.  
  • Innovation in Development: Continued investment in AI-driven tools like GitHub Copilot could redefine how developers approach coding and problem-solving.  
These trends suggest that GitHub is poised to remain a key player in the version control and collaboration space in 2024.

Projecting the Future of GitLab in 2024  

On the other side of the GitLab vs. GitHub debate, GitLab’s outlook for 2024 is equally optimistic. The platform is expected to focus on expanding its features to deliver a more unified and robust DevOps experience.  
  • Enhanced CI/CD Tools: GitLab is likely to refine its continuous integration and deployment capabilities, offering developers faster and more efficient workflows.  
  • Improved Self-Hosting Options: Anticipated upgrades to its self-hosted solutions could give organizations greater flexibility and control over their development environments.  
  • Strengthened Community Engagement: GitLab may prioritize community involvement and customer support, fostering a stronger relationship with users and driving retention.  
  • Comprehensive DevOps Suite: A focus on providing an end-to-end solution for DevOps teams could further solidify GitLab as a go-to platform for integrated development and operations.  
These trends suggest GitLab is poised to maintain its competitive edge while continuing to attract developers and organizations seeking flexibility and a complete DevOps solution. GitLab vs GitHub contact

GitHub vs GitLab: The Final Showdown  

When comparing GitHub and GitLab, it’s clear that both platforms offer robust functionality and flexibility, tailored to different needs. The decision often boils down to individual or organizational requirements.  
  • GitHub's Edge: Its widespread popularity and vibrant community make it a preferred choice for open-source collaboration and developers seeking a broad network.  
  • GitLab's Strengths: Comprehensive features, self-hosting capabilities, and integrated DevOps tools attract users who value control and a streamlined workflow.  
Ultimately, the choice is not about which platform is superior but which one aligns best with specific needs and goals.  

 Wrapping Up: The GitHub vs GitLab Conundrum  

Understanding the roles of Git, GitHub, and GitLab is crucial when choosing between GitHub and GitLab. While Git is a version control system enabling collaborative development, GitHub and GitLab are repository hosting platforms built on Git, each with unique strengths.  
  • GitHub: With over 30 million users and 100 million projects, GitHub is celebrated for its planning and tracking tools, making it a favorite among developers worldwide.  
  • GitLab: A comprehensive DevSecOps platform, GitLab integrates the entire development lifecycle and is valued for its advanced CI/CD and deployment features.  
GitHub’s Microsoft connection and GitLab’s integration with Google Cloud underscore their distinct advantages. Ultimately, the decision should align with your specific project needs and workflows.