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GitLab: A Bonus Dive into Its History

Welcome to a bonus blog in our #90DaysOfDevOps series. Today, we're taking a deep dive into the history of GitLab. While it's not always necessary to understand the complete history of a platform to use it effectively, knowing a bit about its journey can provide insights into its evolution and why it's considered a powerhouse in DevOps.


The Birth of GitLab

GitLab was created by Dmitriy Zaporozhets and Valery Sizov in Ukraine in 2011. It was a response to the growing demand for a web-based Git repository manager that provided a streamlined, single application for the entire DevOps lifecycle.


The idea was to create a tool that could simplify development, testing, and deployment, offering a holistic approach to the DevOps process. GitLab's birth coincided with the rise of Git, the distributed version control system created by Linus Torvalds.


GitLab's Unique Approach

GitLab was one of the first platforms to offer an integrated solution for the entire DevOps lifecycle, including not just version control but also CI/CD, code review, and issue tracking. This comprehensive approach set GitLab apart from many competitors.


Here are some key features and milestones in GitLab's history:

  • 2011: GitLab was initially released as an open-source project under an MIT License.

  • 2013: The first paid offering, GitLab Enterprise Edition, was launched. This allowed organizations to run their own GitLab instances on their infrastructure.

  • 2014: The company behind GitLab, GitLab Inc., was founded in San Francisco.

  • 2015: GitLab closed its first funding round with a notable investment from Y Combinator.

  • 2017: GitLab introduced Auto DevOps, a feature that automates the entire DevOps lifecycle, including code testing and deployment.

  • 2018: GitLab raised $20 million in a Series C funding round.

  • 2019: GitLab raised $268 million in a Series E funding round, which propelled its valuation to over $2.75 billion.

GitLab's Impact on DevOps

GitLab's success lies in its ability to cater to the growing need for a single application that covers the entire DevOps lifecycle. Its approach to providing a comprehensive solution for version control, CI/CD, security, and collaboration resonated with organizations and developers.

In a DevOps landscape where integration and automation are key, GitLab's cohesive platform has become a one-stop shop for organizations looking to streamline their development processes.


GitLab has played a significant role in shaping the modern DevOps landscape. Its commitment to simplifying and unifying the DevOps toolchain has made it an essential platform for organizations and developers worldwide.


While this bonus blog offers a glimpse into GitLab's history, remember that GitLab's true power lies in its capabilities as a DevOps platform. As you continue your #90DaysOfDevOps journey, consider how GitLab's features can streamline your development and deployment workflows.


Thank you for reading!


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