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GitLab Integration with Ankra

Overview​

This integration allows organizations to run GitLab pipelines directly within their Kubernetes environment, enabling efficient continuous integration and delivery of applications. Once the GitLab integration is set up, the entire organization can benefit from it during the cluster creation process, making it a core part of the deployment workflow.

How It Works​

Step 1: GitLab Integration Setup by Admin​

  • Admin Initiation: A GitLab integration is created by an admin user in the platform. This integration connects the platform to the organization's GitLab account.
  • Organization-Wide Access: Once the integration is active, it becomes available to the entire organization. All users within the organization can leverage this GitLab integration when they create Kubernetes clusters in Ankra.

Step 2: Cluster Creation with Predefined Add-ons​

  • User Initiates Cluster Creation: During the cluster creation process, the user selects from a number of pre-defined add-ons. These add-ons come with predefined inputs to guide users down a golden path, ensuring the cluster setup follows best practices.

Step 3: GitLab Integration in Action​

  • GitLab Runner Token: The platform automatically generates a runner token with the selected GitLab integration.
  • GitLab Installation: The platform installs a GitLab Runner on the newly created cluster, enabling continuous deployment capabilities.

Step 4: Automatic Configuration and Commit​

  • Configuration Commit: The platform commits the cluster's configuration, including all selected add-ons, to the integrated GitLab instance. These can be found in the organization's Continuous Delivery GitLab repository.
  • Pre-defined Managed Add-ons: The configuration uses Ankra's pre-defined managed add-ons, ensuring consistency across deployments.
  • Automatic Trigger: Once the configuration is committed, Gitlab will automatically trigger the deployment pipeline towards the created cluster.

Step 5: Cluster Availability​

  • Wait Time: After submitting the cluster creation request, the user waits a few minutes for Gitlab to complete the setup process, the progress can be viewed in the organisation's Continuous Delivery GitLab repository.
  • Direct Access: Once the setup is complete, users can access their cluster directly via Ankra's platform, with the GitLab Runner and all selected add-ons ready for use.