How to Install GitLab Runner on Ubuntu?

GitLab Runner is a fantastic tool that works like a trusty helper for developers. It takes care of tasks that ensure your software runs smoothly, like testing and deploying. Installing GitLab Runner on your Ubuntu system is like giving yourself a superpower in software development. Automating many repetitive tasks makes your life easier, allowing you to focus on what you do best: writing code.

In this guide, we'll walk through the steps to get GitLab Runner up and running on your Ubuntu 20.04 LTS system. You don't need to be a computer expert to follow along; just have your Ubuntu machine ready, an internet connection, and a cup of coffee if you like.

Prerequisites

Before we start, make sure you have:

• Permission to make changes on your Ubuntu computer.
• Access to the internet.
• A GitLab account.

Step-By-Step Guide to Install Install GitLab Runner on Ubuntu

Step 1: Update Ubuntu Packages

First things first, let's make sure our system is up-to-date. Open your terminal and type:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Add the GitLab Runner Repository

GitLab Runner isn't included in the usual list of software for Ubuntu. We need to add its special place called a repository.

Install Dependencies

We need to install something called curl to help us with the installation. If you don't have it, type:

sudo apt install -y curl

Add the Repository

Now, let's add the GitLab Runner's repository by running this command:

curl -L https://packages.gitlab.com/install/repositories/runner/gitlab-runner/script.deb.sh | sudo bash

Step 3: Install GitLab Runner on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

With the repository added, let's install GitLab Runner. Type:

sudo apt install gitlab-runner

Step 4: Register GitLab Runner

Now, we need to tell GitLab Runner about our GitLab account.

Get Your GitLab Registration Token

Go to your project on the GitLab website, click on Settings > CI/CD, and copy the registration token.

Register the GitLab Runner

Back in your terminal, type:

sudo gitlab-runner register

Follow the instructions. You'll need to paste your registration token and give a name to your Runner.

Step 5: Start and Enable its Service

Let's make sure GitLab Runner is running and starts automatically when we boot our computer.

Start the service:

sudo gitlab-runner start

Enable auto-start:

sudo gitlab-runner enable

Step 6: Verify Runner Status

To check if GitLab Runner is up and running, type:

sudo gitlab-runner verify

You should see a message saying it's valid, which means it's ready to work.

Uninstallation (optional)

If you want to remove GitLab Runner, here's how:

sudo gitlab-runner stop

sudo apt autoremove --purge gitlab-runner

sudo rm -rf /etc/apt/sources.list.d/runner_gitlab-runner.list

sudo deluser --remove-home gitlab-runner

sudo rm -rf /etc/gitlab-runner

Conclusion

That's it! Now you have GitLab Runner on your Ubuntu system is like having a reliable assistant by your side throughout your software development journey. By automating various tasks in continuous integration and deployment, GitLab Runner streamlines your workflow, saving you time and effort. With GitLab Runner in place, you can focus more on writing quality code and less on manual processes.