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Battle of the Gits? Well, not so much a battle as Git, GitHub, and GitLab act as complementary tools in the software development lifecycle. Git forms the foundational backbone of version control, while GitHub and GitLab build upon its capabilities, offering a comprehensive ecosystem for developers. Though distinct, these tools work in harmony to streamline the development process. In this article, we'll explore the differences and similarities between each and guide you on when to leverage them based on your project's needs. Key Takeaways Git, GitHub, and GitLab work together to enhance the software development process, each offering unique features.GitHub is popular for open-source projects and community-driven development.GitLab stands out as an integrated DevOps platform with comprehensive CI/CD pipelines and security features..What is Git?Git is a free and open-source distributed version control system designed to handle projects of any size with speed and efficiency. Unlike centralized systems, Git allows developers to work independently with a full copy of the codebase on their local machines. Git’s Key FeaturesLet's explore the standout features that make Git an indispensable tool for modern software teams: Branching and Merging: Git's powerful branching model enables developers to create separate branches for features, bug fixes, or experiments, seamlessly merging them back into the main codebase after review.Distributed nature: Every developer has a complete local repository, eliminating single points of failure and enabling offline work.Staging area: The staging area provides granular control over what changes are committed, enhancing code organization and ensuring only intended modifications are recorded.Lightweight and fast: Git's efficient design allows for lightning-fast performance, even with large codebases and complex projects.While Git excels at managing source code, let's look at how platforms like GitHub and GitLab build upon its capabilities. To learn more about Git, check out the blog How Git Works. What is GitHub?GitHub is a cloud-based hosting service that provides a user-friendly web interface for managing Git repositories. It allows developers to store, share, and collaborate on their codebase with teams or the open-source community. In 2018, GitHub was acquired by Microsoft, further solidifying its position as a leading platform for software development. GitHub’s Key FeaturesHere are the standout features that make GitHub a powerful addition to the Git ecosystem: Remote repository hosting: GitHub's core functionality is hosting Git repositories remotely, providing a centralized location for developers to push and pull code changes.Collaboration and Social coding: GitHub fosters collaboration by allowing developers to follow projects, contribute code, and interact through discussions, issues, and pull requests.Issue tracking: GitHub's issue tracking system enables teams to report bugs, propose new features, and manage project tasks effectively.Pull requests and Code review: GitHub's pull request mechanism streamlines the code review process, allowing developers to propose changes, receive feedback, and merge code into the main codebase.Project management tools: GitHub offers integrated project management tools, such as boards, wikis, and project tracking, to help teams organize and manage their development workflows.Check out our blog post to learn How GitHub Works. What is GitLab?GitLab is a web-based platform that streamlines development workflows. It does this by merging Git repository management with continuous integration (CI), deployment, and collaboration tools. GitLab facilitates code versioning and team cooperation and automates the pipeline from development to deployment, simplifying the entire software lifecycle within its unified platform. GitLab’s Key FeaturesLet's explore the standout features that make GitLab a powerful DevOps platform: Repository hosting (similar to GitHub): Like GitHub, GitLab provides a central location for hosting Git repositories, enabling teams to collaborate on code and manage version control.Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): One of GitLab's standout features is its built-in CI/CD pipelines, allowing teams to automate the entire software delivery process, from code commit to production deployment.Issue tracking and project management: GitLab offers robust issue tracking and project management tools, helping teams organize and prioritize tasks, bugs, and feature requests.Code review and collaboration: Similar to GitHub's pull requests, GitLab's merge requests facilitate code review and collaboration among team members, ensuring code quality and consistency.Integrated DevOps tools: GitLab provides a comprehensive DevOps toolchain, including features for container management, monitoring, and security scanning. This streamlines the entire development lifecycle within a single platform.With a strong focus on DevOps practices and an integrated toolset, GitLab caters to organizations seeking a more seamless and automated software delivery process. Git vs. GitHub vs. GitLabAs we've explored the individual capabilities of the 3 platforms, it's essential to understand their distinctions and commonalities. The following table provides a high-level comparison across various features and aspects: Table: Comparison of Git, GitHub, and GitLab Feature Git GitHub GitLab Type Version Control System Git Repository Hosting Service Integrated DevOps Platform Primary Use Local version control Remote repository hosting, collaboration, and code sharing Comprehensive software development, CI/CD, and collaboration Hosting Local and self-hosted Primarily cloud-hosted (GitHub servers), some self-hosting options Cloud-hosted (GitLab.com) and self-hosted options; supports hybrid models CI/CD Integration Not built-in; requires third-party tools GitHub Actions (robust CI/CD tool) Comprehensive CI/CD pipelines and automation Access Control Basic through Git hooks and server configuration Detailed access control with teams, role-based permissions, and collaboration features Detailed access control, including group and subgroup management, fine-grained permissions, and protected branches License Open Source (GPLv2) Proprietary with some open-source projects Open-source (Core) and proprietary (Premium) editions Community Features None Issue tracking, discussions, wikis, collaboration features (forks, pull requests) Similar to GitHub with additional DevOps project management tools (boards, milestones) Integration Requires external tools for additional functionality Wide range of integrations through GitHub Marketplace Comprehensive integrations within its DevOps ecosystem, including third-party tools and services Pricing/Cost Model Free Free for public repositories, paid plans for private repositories, and additional features Free (Core), paid plans for Premium features, self-hosted pricing available As evident from the table above, Git, GitHub, and GitLab share a common foundation: Git. However, the key differences emerge in the following areas: Purpose and Focus: While Git is solely dedicated to version control, GitHub caters to social coding and open-source communities, and GitLab sets itself apart as an integrated DevOps platform, offering comprehensive CI/CD pipelines and a seamless toolchain for the entire software development lifecycle. DevOps and CI/CD Integration: GitLab stands out with its extensive built-in CI/CD capabilities and automation, allowing teams to streamline their software delivery processes. GitHub offers robust CI/CD features through Actions. Collaboration and Project Management: Both GitHub and GitLab provide robust collaboration tools, including issue tracking, code reviews, and project management features. However, GitLab offers additional DevOps-specific project management tools, such as boards and milestones. When to use Git, GitHub, or GitLabThis section will guide you through the common situations where one tool might be preferred over the others. Git: Essential for Any Project Involving Version ControlGit is the foundational version control system that underpins the software development process for countless projects worldwide. Regardless of the project's size or complexity, Git is an indispensable tool. Whether you're a solo developer or part of a large team, Git is a must-have tool in your development arsenal. GitHub: Popular Choice for Open-Source Projects and Public RepositoriesGitHub’s vibrant community, social coding features, and seamless collaboration capabilities make it an attractive choice for developers and teams looking to contribute to or leverage open-source software. If your project involves open-source development, GitHub can streamline your workflows and foster effective collaboration. GitLab: Ideal for Secure and Comprehensive DevOpsGitLab shines as the preferred choice for organizations, as well as those seeking a comprehensive DevOps toolchain. If your organization requires advanced DevOps capabilities, GitLab's toolset can help you achieve a seamless development lifecycle. Additionally, its support for self-hosting and hybrid deployment models ensures that you can meet your organization's specific security needs. ConclusionIn software development, the choice of tools is paramount to delivering high-quality software. By leveraging the complementary nature of Git, GitHub, and GitLab, you can create a development ecosystem that seamlessly integrates version control, collaboration, and DevOps practices, enabling your team to focus on delivering high-quality software solutions that drive innovation and success. Enroll in our Git for Beginners course to learn and practice more Git concepts. View the full article

Learn the difference between the DevOps and Agile project management and software development methodologies, as well as their similarities.View the full article

In today’s data-driven era, you have more raw data than ever before. However, to leverage the power of big data, you need to convert raw data into valuable insights for informed decision-making. When it comes to preparing data for analysis, you will always come across the terms “data wrangling” and “ETL.” While they may sound […]View the full article

It is common for people to get confused about the differences between data integration and data migration. While these processes are related, they serve different purposes and involve different approaches. Understanding the differences data integration vs data migration is crucial for choosing the right approach for your specific needs. This will also help ensure that […]View the full article

Making sure your technology stack works for you requires integration on a fundamental level. Everyone in your organization, from content writers who embed tweets into blog articles to data teams who reconcile data warehouses following a merger, can perform their duties more successfully with the help of coordinated data. Choosing the best tool for the […]View the full article

Today, businesses all around the world are driven by data. This has led to companies exploiting every available online application, service, and social platform to extract data to better understand the changing market trends. Now, this data requires numerous complex transformations to get ready for Data Analytics. Moreover, companies require technologies that can transfer and […]View the full article

Reading Time: 5 min SPF can be configured to trigger a Hardfail or Softfail error when sender authentication fails. Learn SPF Softfail vs Hardfail difference and best practices. The post SPF Softfail Vs Hardfail: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Security Boulevard. View the full article

A fundamental requirement for any data-driven organization is to have a streamlined data delivery mechanism. With organizations collecting data at a rate like never before, devising data pipelines for adequate flow of information for analytics and Machine Learning tasks becomes crucial for businesses. As organizations gather information from multiple sources and data can come in […]View the full article

Ubuntu Pro is a premium subscription service offered by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, which provides additional security and compliance features aimed at businesses and professional users. It extends the capabilities of the standard, free Ubuntu operating system with several key enhancements: Extended Security Maintenance Ubuntu Pro offers Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) that extends the security updates and patches for Ubuntu releases beyond the typical five-year support period provided by the regular Ubuntu. This can go up to 10 years, ensuring longer protection for mission-critical applications. Livepatch Service The Livepatch service allows for kernel updates to be applied without rebooting the system, minimizing downtime and disruption for critical systems. This feature is particularly valuable in enterprise environments where uptime is crucial. Security and Compliance Ubuntu Pro includes additional security and compliance certifications that are necessary for various industries, including finance and healthcare. It also comes with FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic packages, which are required in many governmental and financial sectors. Expanded Package Support Subscribers gain access to a broader range of software packages and updates, including thousands of additional open source applications and utilities that are supported with security updates. Enhanced Support Ubuntu Pro subscribers have access to Canonical’s knowledge base and 24/7 support, offering an extra layer of assistance for their operations, which is especially useful for organizations without extensive in-house Linux expertise. Patch and Landscape Management Ubuntu Pro integrates with Landscape, Canonical’s systems management tool, which helps administrators manage, monitor, and update large-scale deployments of Ubuntu desktops, servers, and cloud instances efficiently. Cloud and Virtual Machine Friendly Ubuntu Pro is available for desktops, servers, and cloud environments, and it supports major cloud platforms, making it a flexible choice for organizations operating in multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments. Here’s a comparison between Ubuntu and Ubuntu Pro, highlighting their primary differences: FeatureUbuntuUbuntu ProCostFreeSubscription-basedAvailabilityOpen source, available to anyoneAvailable to anyone, with added features for a feeSecurity UpdatesStandard security updatesExtended security updates for up to 10 yearsKernel UpdatesRegular kernel updatesLivepatch for real-time kernel updates without rebootingSupportCommunity support, optional professional supportComprehensive professional support includedCertificationLimited hardware and software certificationWider range of certified hardware and integrated softwareComplianceBasicCompliance features for common standards and regulationsApplicationsAccess to free software via Ubuntu repositoriesAccess to additional commercial software in Ubuntu Pro repositoriesManagement FeaturesBasic system management toolsAdvanced management tools including Landscape for easier automation and orchestrationTarget AudienceGeneral use, developers, enthusiastsEnterprises, businesses, and professionals requiring advanced security and compliance Ubuntu Pro offers more extensive support and advanced features designed for enterprise use, whereas the regular version of Ubuntu is well-suited for general users, developers, and tech enthusiasts. The choice between them largely depends on the user’s needs for support, security, and compliance. The reason some security-related packages are only available in Ubuntu Pro, even if you upgrade to the latest version of Ubuntu like 22.x, is primarily due to the additional enterprise-focused features and extended security support offered by Ubuntu Pro. Here are the key reasons for this differentiation: Extended Security Maintenance (ESM): Ubuntu Pro provides Extended Security Maintenance which includes security updates and patches for a longer period (up to 10 years) compared to the standard 5 years in the free version. This extended support covers more packages and resolves vulnerabilities that may affect older software still in use in enterprise environments. Livepatch Service: Ubuntu Pro offers the Livepatch service, which allows users to apply critical kernel security patches without rebooting the system. This service is crucial for organizations that require high uptime and cannot afford the disruption of a reboot after every kernel update. Compliance and Certification: Enterprises often need to comply with various regulatory standards (like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, etc.) which require specific security features and configurations. Ubuntu Pro includes tools and packages that help in maintaining compliance with these standards, which might not be part of the standard Ubuntu release. Commercial Software in Repositories: Ubuntu Pro users gain access to additional commercial software and proprietary tools in the Ubuntu repositories that are not available in the standard edition. These may include security tools and applications necessary for professional environments. Revenue Model: Offering advanced security features as part of Ubuntu Pro also aligns with Canonical’s business model. By providing enhanced security and support through a subscription service, Canonical can generate revenue which supports the development of both Ubuntu and Ubuntu Pro. Target Audience: Ubuntu Pro is tailored towards businesses and professional users who have higher requirements for security, support, and reliability. These users are more likely to need the advanced features offered by Ubuntu Pro and are also more capable of affording the subscription costs associated with it. The post Difference between UBUNTU and UBUNTU PRO appeared first on DevOpsSchool.com. View the full article

Embracing serverless architectures help you bring solutions to market faster at lower cost with decreased management overhead than traditional approaches. Cloud Functions and Cloud Run are two such serverless compute products from Google Cloud, and customers often ask us “when does it make more sense to use Cloud Functions or Cloud Run?” Commerzbank AG is one such customer, and has developed a framework for helping to decide where to deploy and how to manage their serverless workloads. “We employ cloud-native services to benefit from their scalability, security, and serverless nature in order to deliver a future-proof and business centric foundation,” said Christian Gorke, Head of Cyber Center of Excellence, Big Data & Advanced Analytics at Commerzbank AG. “While each service comes with its own benefits, we mix and match those to fulfill our business needs.” In general, we find that serverless workloads tend to fall into one of two categories: connecting your platform or running services. Connecting your platform typically involves writing discrete pieces of code that perform a single task and that benefit from simplicity. On the other hand, running services benefit from the flexibility of custom server configuration and the ability to perform multiple tasks. In this post, we’ll provide an overview of Cloud Functions and Cloud Run and provide a framework to help you pick the best option for your workload. Choosing a serverless product Both Cloud Functions and Cloud Run can scale from zero to meet incredibly high demand. But there are trade-offs between the two in terms of simplicity and flexibility. If you’re using a serverless product to connect your platform, you likely don’t need to configure a container to control the web server or language runtime. In this case, Cloud Functions manages this configuration on your behalf, letting you focus on what’s core to your business. Running services, on the other hand, requires more control of the container including choosing the web server or language runtime. For this use case, Cloud Run provides the flexibility needed for these configurations while managing the rest on your behalf. Connecting your platform with Cloud Functions Cloud Functions makes connecting your platform simple to build and easy to maintain — you’re just responsible for the code. Anyone on your team with coding knowledge can create a solution without having to package up the code. You can also choose from seven popular languages. Data scientists, for example, can get a python script running in the cloud with limited infrastructure knowledge. Cloud Functions keeps productivity high and operations low by making each function its own independent component, isolating it from directly impacting other workloads. Changes and updates to one function are unlikely to impact another function. We leverage Cloud Functions to process short-lived, event-based actions triggered from other systems such as Cloud Storage, Eventarc, or PubSub, e.g., for data pipeline automation. Commerzbank AG A common use case for Cloud Functions is responding when an object is added to a Cloud Storage bucket. The function might generate thumbnails of an image or run sentiment analysis on a text file. But there are many other examples for which customers choose Cloud Functions: Transforming data and loading it into BigQuery Creating a webhook that’s called by a third party (i.e., GitHub) Use ML APIs to analyze data added to a database or storage bucket Running services with Cloud Run Cloud Run simplifies scaling and maintaining services by utilizing industry-standard containers. You can leverage existing tools and knowledge to package and deploy your service on Cloud Run, and let us manage the runtime infrastructure to host and scale it. Cloud Run works well for a broad range of applications. It lets you deploy your service with a single containerized app. You can use any language, library, or binary to run your application. And Google handles server management and scalability for you, even for containerized legacy workloads such as three-tier Java applications. Cloud Run comes into play when further customization is required, e.g., when embedding AI models or serving multiple interfaces for a longer period of time is required. Commerzbank AG A good candidate for Cloud Run is an eCommerce website that lists products for sale. But there are many other examples of applications for which you could choose Cloud Run: Any web-based workload REST or gRPC APIs for mobile apps or games Internal custom backoffice apps Using Cloud Functions and Cloud Run together Cloud Functions and Cloud Run can be complimentary in a multi-workload landscape. Combining both services boosts our productivity considerably since application teams can focus on business code instead of infrastructure and its dependencies, which is conveniently covered by Google Cloud. Commerzbank AG These are general guidelines for customers looking for the best product for their workload but we believe there are many factors to consider. You may want to leverage your team’s existing tools and expertise. Or you may have a specific set of Google Cloud products which have been approved for use. Because the second generation of Cloud Functions is built on the enhanced infrastructure of Cloud Run, the decision of which product to use doesn't need to be a cause for analysis-paralysis. You can be immediately productive by writing simple code and deploying it quickly to Cloud Functions, and evolving it into a more complex web service later, by migrating it to Cloud Run, whose extra control is very easy to unlock. We believe it's useful to consider these factors when choosing a serverless product. Doing so will help you deploy your workloads with the right balance of simplicity and flexibility, so you can deliver a solution quickly that’s easy to maintain and scale. To get started with serverless on Google Cloud try this Cloud Run quickstart or Cloud Functions codelab.