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If you’re running Debian 12 (Bookworm) and want a powerful self hosted Git platform, GitLab Community Edition (CE) is one of the best choices. It combines source code management, CI/CD pipelines, issue tracking, and DevOps tools all in one place.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to install GitLab on Debian Bookworm, configure it correctly, and get your instance running smoothly.
Prerequisites
Before installing, make sure you have:
- A Debian 12 (Bookworm) system with sudo privileges
- 2 GB RAM minimum (4 GB recommended)
- 2 vCPUs minimum
- 10 GB+ of free disk space
- A valid hostname (for example
gitlab.example.com) - Basic familiarity with the Linux command line
Step 1 - Update Your System
Start by ensuring your system is up to date:
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sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -yReboot afterward if kernel packages were updated:
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sudo rebootStep 2 – Install Required Dependencies
Install required packages and tools:
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sudo apt install -y curl ca-certificates gnupg lsb-releaseThese ensure secure repository access and package verification.
Step 3 – Add The GitLab Repository
Add the official GitLab CE repository for Debian Bookworm:
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curl -fsSL https://packages.gitlab.com/install/repositories/gitlab/gitlab-ce/script.deb.sh | sudo bashGitLab’s script automatically detects Debian Bookworm and configures the correct repository.
Step 4 – Install GitLab CE
Run the installation command replacing gitlab.example.com with the domain you have chosen to use.
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sudo EXTERNAL_URL="http://gitlab.example.com" apt install gitlab-ce -yGitLab will install and configure NGINX, PostgreSQL, Redis, and other dependencies automatically.
Step 5 – Reconfigure GitLab
After installation run:
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sudo gitlab-ctl reconfigureThis initializes GitLab, creates necessary services, and sets up SSL if configured later.
Step 6 – Access The Web Interface
Once the setup completes, open a browser and navigate to your GitLab URL:
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https://gitlab.example.comOn the first login, you’ll be asked to set a password for the root user.
To find the temporary password generated during setup:
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sudo cat /etc/gitlab/initial_root_passwordUse this password to sign in as root, then change it immediately after logging in.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If installation fails, ensure your hostname resolves correctly and ports 80/443 are open.
- For low-memory systems, create a swap file to prevent installation issues.
- Use
sudo gitlab-ctl tailto monitor logs in real time.
Conclusion
Installing GitLab on Debian 12 (Bookworm) is straightforward once you add the official repository and follow the proper configuration steps. You’ll have a robust, self hosted DevOps platform ready for collaboration, code management, and CI/CD pipelines all without relying on external services.
Call to Action
🚀 Have you set up GitLab on Debian Bookworm yet?
- Share your installation experience or any challenges you faced.
- What features of GitLab CE do you find most useful for your development workflow?
💬 Drop your comments below and help others streamline their setup!
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