Install GitLab Runner on Ubuntu

What are the prerequisites for installing GitLab Runner on Ubuntu?

Before installing GitLab Runner on Ubuntu, ensure you have:

• An Ubuntu system with root or sudo privileges
• A stable internet connection
• GitLab account and access to your GitLab instance
• Basic understanding of GitLab CI/CD pipelines and runners

How can I update GitLab Runner on Ubuntu?

To update GitLab Runner on Ubuntu:

Stop the GitLab Runner service:

sudo gitlab-runner stop

Download the latest version:

sudo curl -L --output /usr/local/bin/gitlab-runner https://gitlab-runner-downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/latest/binaries/gitlab-runner-linux-amd64

Give the executable permissions:

sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/gitlab-runner

Restart the GitLab Runner service:

sudo gitlab-runner start

Verify the update by checking the version:

gitlab-runner --version

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.