> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.blinkops.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# GitLab

> GitLab is a web-based Git repository that provides free open and private repositories, issue-following capabilities, and wikis. It is a complete DevOps platform that enables professionals to perform all the tasks in a project—from project planning and source code management to monitoring and security. Additionally, it allows teams to collaborate and build better software.

## Creating a GitLab connection

Select one of the following methods to create a GitHub connection:

* [OAuth](#using-oauth)
* [API Token](#using-api-token)
* [Using SSH](#using-ssh)

### Using OAuth

#### Creating your connection

1. In the Blink platform, navigate to the **Connections** page > **Add connection**. A New Connection dialog box opens displaying icons of external service providers available.
2. Select the **GitLab** icon. A dialog box with name of the connection and connection methods appear.
3. (Optional) Edit the name of the connection. At a later stage you cannot edit the name.
4. Click **GitLab** to authenticate using OAuth.
5. Sign in using your credentials.

### Using API token

#### Obtaining the credentials

Follow the instructions in the following link: [Personal access tokens](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/profile/personal_access_tokens.html#create-a-personal-access-token)

#### Creating your connection

1. In the Blink platform, navigate to the **Connections** page > **Add connection**. A New Connection dialog box opens displaying icons of external service providers available.

2. Select the **GitHLab** icon. A dialog box with name of the connection and connection methods appear.

3. (Optional) Edit the name of the connection. At a later stage you cannot edit the name.

4. Select **API Token** as the method to create the connection.

5. Fill in the parameters:

   * The API token
   * If using on-prem Gitlab installation, one also needs to fill the API Address attribute for the GitLab plugin. The default API address is `https://gitlab.com/api/v4`.

6. (Optional) Click **Test Connection** to test it.

7. Click **Create connection**. The new connection appears on the **Connections** page.

### Using SSH

An SSH connection is supported for the use of core.git

To create the connection you need:

* An existing SSH private and public key pair or generate a new one. To generate a new SSH key pair can use the SSH-keygen command.

#### Obtaining the credentials

You need to upload the public key to GitLab. Do this by following the instructions: [Adding a new SSH key to your GitLab account](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/ssh/#add-an-ssh-key-to-your-gitlab-account) We do not support SSH key with passphrase for the CLI, therefore generate one without a passphrase.

#### Creating your connection

1. In the Blink platform, navigate to the **Connections** page > **Add connection**. A New Connection dialog box opens displaying icons of external service providers available.

2. Select the **SSH** icon. A dialog box with name of the connection and connection methods appear.

3. (Optional) Edit the name of the connection. At a later stage you cannot edit the name.

4. Select **SSH** as the method to make the connection.

5. Fill in the parameters:

   * The key
   * The passphrase
   * The username

6. (Optional) Click **Test Connection** to test it.

7. Click **Create connection**. The new connection appears on the **Connections** page.

### Interactive Tutorial Guides

You can also refer to the following tutorial guides for a more in-depth understanding of how to create a GitLab connection.

[Creating a Gitlab Connection](https://demo.arcade.software/QnecxOmelZyHkUsuGPKE?embed\&show_copy_link=true)

[Creating a GitLab Connection in Blink Ops](https://demo.arcade.software/9RhI5jieOQlq6pP1cIk9?embed\&show_copy_link=true)