What are the different scopes of variables in GitLab CI?

What are the different scopes of variables in GitLab CI?

In GitLab CI, variables can have different scopes: project, group, and instance. Project variables are specific to a single project, group variables apply to all projects within a group, and instance variables are available across all projects in a GitLab instance.

Can you give me an example of when to use each scope?

Sure! Use project variables for sensitive data like API keys specific to that project. Group variables are great for shared configurations across multiple projects, like a common deployment URL. Instance variables can be used for settings that apply to all projects, such as a default Docker registry.

How do I set these variables in GitLab?

You can set project variables in the project settings under CI/CD > Variables. For group variables, go to the group settings, and for instance variables, you can set them in the Admin Area under CI/CD > Variables.

Are there any limitations on the variable values?

Yes, there are some limitations. For example, variable names must be uppercase and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Additionally, there are size limits for the values you can store.