GitLab vs Jenkins – Which CI/CD Tool is Best in 2024? [Unbiased]

Gitlab vs Jenkins – which is the best, remains a question to many. In short, both are popular options, but knowing their technical strengths and weaknesses may help you end the GitLab vs Jenkins debate.   

Today, I will walk you through everything you need to know before settling for any CI/CD tool in 2024.  

What is GitLab? 

GitLab is a DevOps platform, that offers comprehensive tools for the entire software development lifecycle. At its core, it provides Git version control. Moreover, you also get to integrate features like project management, code review, issue tracking, and CI/CD. 

GitLab’s approach to CI/CD is tightly integrated with its other functionalities. You can define your CI/CD pipelines directly within your GitLab repositories, empowering a streamlined workflow for developers. 

It is trusted by leading organisations like NASA and Sony, with more than 100,000 users leveraging it for its intuitive interface and helpful features. 

What is Jenkins? 

Jenkins is an open-source automation server specifically designed to streamline complex CI/CD operations. Jenkins is highly customisable compared to GitLab and offers multiple plugins to extend its functionality. 

Jenkin is free to use and, therefore gets an edge over GitLab. Not only that, you can define pipelines using various plugins and tools, providing greater flexibility but also requiring more configuration effort. 

GitLab vs Jenkins – An Unbiased Comparison 

Selecting the ideal CI/CD tool for your development team can be a challenge, especially when faced with popular options like GitLab and Jenkins. Both excel in automating the software delivery process, but understanding their key differences is crucial for making an informed decision. 

User-Friendliness and Configuration 

GitLab – Boasting a user-friendly interface and straightforward workflows, GitLab is ideal for teams new to CI/CD. Its streamlined setup process allows developers to quickly get started without extensive technical knowledge. 

Jenkins – Known for its flexibility, Jenkins offers a wider range of configuration options. Having said that, there is a higher learning curve associated with this flexibility, and more technical knowledge is needed for setup and maintenance. 

Features and Functionality 

GitLab – GitLab offers a comprehensive suite of built-in features, including code review, issue tracking, and project management, seamlessly integrated with its CI/CD pipelines. This fosters a cohesive development environment, minimising the need for external tools. 

Jenkins – While Jenkins lacks some of GitLab’s built-in features, its vast plugin ecosystem allows for extensive customisation. This empowers teams to tailor their CI/CD pipelines to specific needs and integrate with various third-party tools. 

Scalability and Performance 

GitLab – Designed to scale with your team and project size, GitLab’s cloud-based infrastructure ensures reliable performance even for large-scale deployments. 

Jenkins – Primarily self-hosted, Jenkins requires teams to manage their own infrastructure, which can become challenging as projects and teams grow. 

Security and Compliance 

GitLab – GitLab prioritises security with built-in features like role-based access control and compliance certifications. This is crucial for teams working with sensitive data or adhering to strict industry regulations. 

Jenkins – Security in Jenkins relies heavily on proper configuration and plugin management. While offering flexibility, this also places the responsibility of maintaining a secure environment on the users. 

Integration and Ecosystem 

GitLab – GitLab natively integrates with popular DevOps tools and services, promoting a smooth workflow within your development environment. Additionally, it offers an API for further customisation and integration possibilities. 

Jenkins – While not offering the same level of native integrations as GitLab, Jenkins’ extensive plugin ecosystem enables multiple integration with other tools. However, managing these integrations can become complex for larger ecosystems. 

Pricing and Licensing 

GitLab – GitLab offers a free tier with limited features, while paid plans unlock additional functionalities and scalability. 

Jenkins – As an open-source tool, Jenkins is free to use, but it requires teams to manage their own infrastructure and handle maintenance costs. 

Pricing and Licensing (As of March 2024) 

Note: GitLab’s pricing information is based on their publicly available pricing page. Pricing may vary depending on specific needs and chosen plans. 

Key Takeaways: According to GitLab CI vs. Jenkins Stackoverflow Community

Ease of Use and Built-in Features 

GitLab shines with its user-friendly interface and built-in CI/CD features, including the powerful Auto DevOps for automated setup and vulnerability scanning. 

Auto Scaling 

GitLab simplifies cost management with its built-in auto-scaling feature, saving you 90% of EC2 instance costs compared to Jenkins’ complex scripting and external tool requirements. 

Technical Support 

If you value dedicated support, GitLab offers 24/7 assistance for paid plans, while Jenkins relies on its active community. Both options provide comprehensive documentation for self-service support. 

Parallel Execution and Work Distribution 

Both tools enable concurrent builds across multiple machines for faster testing and task distribution across platforms for faster lifecycles. 

REST API Support 

Both GitLab and Jenkins offer REST APIs for extending functionalities, with GitLab supporting XML, Python, and JSON like Jenkins.

Conclusion 

Ultimately, the choice between the best CI/CD tools depends on your needs. If ease of use, built-in features, and dedicated support are important, GitLab might be a strong contender. If flexibility and customisation are your top priorities, Jenkins could be a suitable option. Remember, FuturByte’s business management solutions can help you navigate your CI/CD processes. We also offer expertise in microservices management and custom CMS solutions.