Forge vs GitLab Pages: What are the differences?

Introduction

Forge and GitLab Pages are both web hosting platforms that allow users to deploy and host websites. However, they have some key differences that make them unique from each other. In this article, we will explore and highlight the main differences between Forge and GitLab Pages.

1. Deployment Process:

Forge offers a simplified deployment process, where users can easily deploy their websites with just a few clicks. On the other hand, GitLab Pages requires users to configure the deployment process manually by setting up a CI/CD pipeline.

2. Repository Hosting:

Forge does not require users to use a specific version control system and allows them to deploy websites from any Git repository. In contrast, GitLab Pages is tightly integrated with GitLab's version control system and requires users to have their repositories hosted on GitLab.

3. Custom Domain Configuration:

Forge simplifies the configuration of custom domains by providing a user-friendly interface where users can easily set up and manage their custom domains. GitLab Pages also supports custom domains, but it requires users to manually configure DNS settings and set up a CNAME or A record.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork:

Forge offers features specifically designed for collaboration and teamwork, such as project sharing and permission management. GitLab Pages, being a part of GitLab's ecosystem, provides advanced collaboration features like issue tracking, merge requests, and code review, making it more suitable for team-based projects.

5. Continuous Integration and Deployment:

GitLab Pages natively integrates with GitLab's CI/CD pipeline, allowing for seamless integration of automated testing, building, and deploying processes. Forge does not have built-in support for CI/CD and requires users to set up their own workflows using third-party tools.

6. Community and Support:

GitLab Pages benefits from the large and active GitLab community, offering extensive documentation, forums, and support channels. Forge does not have such a large community but provides direct customer support with a dedicated team to assist users with any issues or queries.

In Summary, Forge simplifies the deployment process, allows any Git repository, and provides a user-friendly interface for custom domain configuration. It also offers collaboration features but lacks native CI/CD support and a large community. GitLab Pages requires a manual deployment process, hosts repositories on GitLab, requires manual configuration for custom domains, and has advanced collaboration, CI/CD integration, and a large supportive community.