GitLab CI with Docker - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is GitLab CI?

GitLab CI is a tool built into GitLab that helps automate testing, building, and deploying your code using pipelines.

beginner

Why use Docker in GitLab CI pipelines?

Docker lets you run your code in containers, which are like small, consistent environments. This makes sure your code runs the same way everywhere.

beginner

What is a .gitlab-ci.yml file?

It is a file in your project that tells GitLab CI what steps to run, like building or testing your code, and how to run them.

beginner

How do you specify a Docker image in GitLab CI?

You add 'image: ' at the top of your .gitlab-ci.yml file to tell GitLab which Docker image to use for running jobs.

intermediate

What is the purpose of the 'services' keyword in GitLab CI with Docker?

The 'services' keyword lets you run extra Docker containers alongside your job, like a database, so your tests can use them.

In GitLab CI, how do you tell the pipeline to use a specific Docker image?

A By setting environment variables in GitLab UI

B By running 'docker run' command in the terminal

C By installing Docker manually on the runner

D By adding 'image: <image-name>' in .gitlab-ci.yml

You specify the Docker image directly in the .gitlab-ci.yml file using the 'image' keyword.

What does the 'services' keyword do in a GitLab CI pipeline?

A Starts the GitLab server

B Defines the main Docker image for the job

C Runs additional Docker containers alongside the job

D Uploads artifacts after the job finishes

'services' runs extra containers like databases that your job can connect to during execution.

Which file controls the steps and Docker images used in GitLab CI?

A .gitlab-ci.yml

B Dockerfile

C README.md

D config.yml

The .gitlab-ci.yml file defines the pipeline jobs, steps, and Docker images.

Why is Docker useful in CI pipelines?

A It creates consistent environments for running code

B It speeds up internet connection

C It replaces GitLab entirely

D It stores code backups

Docker containers ensure your code runs the same way on any machine by packaging dependencies.

What happens if you don't specify a Docker image in GitLab CI?

A Docker will not be installed

B GitLab uses a default image or the runner's environment

C The pipeline will fail immediately

D The job will run on your local machine

GitLab uses a default image or the runner's environment if no image is specified.

Explain how to set up a simple GitLab CI pipeline that uses Docker to run tests.

Think about the file, image, jobs, and running commands.

Describe the role of Docker containers in GitLab CI pipelines and why they are helpful.

Focus on environment consistency and isolation.