Comparing GitLab and GitHub code review features

Sara Verdi
Sara Verdi
Graphite software engineer

GitLab and GitHub are two heavyweight contenders in the version control field, each offering unique features for code review. But how do they compare? This guide examines some of the differences between GitLab and GitHub's code review functionalities and explores how each platform improves collaboration and productivity. By the end of this guide, you should have a comprehensive understanding of which platform aligns best with your team’s needs and how to leverage these tools for optimal code review efficiency.

GitHub is a leading platform for version control and collaboration that utilizes pull requests (PRs) as the primary mechanism for code reviews. PRs facilitate discussions around proposed changes, enabling developers to comment, request modifications, and approve code before it is merged.

GitHub's focus on community-driven development is supported by inline comments and integrations with various third-party applications. It also supports CI/CD workflows through GitHub Actions by automating testing and deployment processes to ensure that only thoroughly vetted code is merged.

GitHub is well-known for its code review capabilities, including these features:

  • Pull requests: GitHub employs pull requests (PRs) to facilitate code reviews. When a developer submits a PR, it opens up a discussion thread where team members can review changes, leave comments, and suggest modifications.

  • Inline comments: GitHub supports inline comments on code. This feature allows reviewers to provide feedback on specific lines, which is crucial for effective communication.

  • Suggested changes: One unique feature of GitHub is the ability to suggest changes directly in comments. Reviewers can provide specific code snippets that developers can apply, streamlining the process of incorporating feedback.

  • Review requests: GitHub allows developers to request reviews from specific team members to make sure that the right people are notified when their input is needed. Reviewers can approve, request changes, or leave comments on the PR.

  • Checks and status checks: GitHub integrates checks and CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) tools to validate code quality before merging. This ensures that only tested and verified code gets into the main branch.

GitLab is a comprehensive DevOps platform that integrates various tools for managing the software development lifecycle. Its code review functionality centers around merge requests (MRs), which allow developers to propose changes and initiate discussions around their code. This encourages team members to leave comments, suggest modifications, and approve changes before they are merged into the main branch.

The platform is equipped with features like inline commenting, code quality checks, and approval rules, promoting high standards of code quality and teamwork. GitLab's integration of CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) directly within the MR workflow further enhances its utility, allowing teams to automate testing and deployment as part of the review process.

Here are some of GitLab's notable features:

  • Merge requests: Developers can create an MR when they want to propose changes to a project. MRs allow team members to discuss the changes, leave comments, and request modifications before merging.

  • Inline commenting: Similar to GitHub, GitLab supports inline commenting, enabling reviewers to leave feedback on specific lines of code. This feature helps clarify points of contention and enhances communication among team members.

  • Code quality and static analysis: GitLab integrates tools for static code analysis and code quality checks directly into the MR process. This feature allows teams to catch potential issues early in the review, improving overall code quality.

  • Approval rules: GitLab enables teams to set approval rules for MRs, specifying how many approvals are required before a merge can occur. This feature adds a layer of oversight, ensuring that critical changes are thoroughly vetted.

  • Reviewers: GitLab allows users to assign specific reviewers to MRs, making it clear who is responsible for providing feedback. This feature can help streamline the review process by ensuring that the right people are involved.

  • GitLab: The code review features in GitLab are deeply integrated into its all-encompassing DevOps ecosystem. MRs play a vital role in ensuring that proposed changes undergo thorough discussions and quality checks to streamline the development process from proposal to deployment.

  • GitHub: GitHub's approach centers more on collaboration and community engagement. PRs facilitate discussions among team members and emphasize contributions from a broader community while providing a platform for feedback and code enhancement.

  • GitLab: As a unified platform, GitLab combines various tools for project management, CI/CD, and code review, allowing teams to work seamlessly across different phases of development without needing external tools.

  • GitHub: GitHub provides extensive third-party integrations, like Graphite and Slack, which can greatly enhance its functionality. Alternatively, this may sometimes create a fragmented experience as teams rely on multiple tools to achieve a complete development workflow.

  • GitLab: GitLab offers proactive assistance during the review process, fostering collaboration through discussions and inline comments. Features like automated quality checks and approval rules thoroughly vet critical changes.

  • GitHub: GitHub's assistance is generally reactive, with users initiating discussions and requesting reviews. The suggested changes feature allows reviewers to propose specific alterations, but overall, the process relies heavily on active participation from developers and reviewers alike.

In comparing GitLab vs GitHub code review features, both platforms offer robust tools tailored to their unique ecosystems. GitLab excels with its integrated approach to the entire development lifecycle, making it an excellent choice for teams that prioritize automation and end-to-end management of their projects. On the other hand, GitHub fosters community-driven collaboration, making it ideal for open-source projects or teams that value extensive third-party integrations and community contributions.

Ultimately, the choice between GitLab and GitHub will depend on the specific needs and workflows of each team. By assessing their unique requirements—whether it’s comprehensive project management with GitLab or collaborative development with GitHub—teams can leverage the strengths of either platform for optimal code review efficiency.

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