GitHub Pages vs GitLab Pages: What are the differences?

1. 1. Repository Hosting: GitHub Pages allows you to host static websites directly from a GitHub repository. It automatically deploys the website whenever changes are pushed to the repository. GitLab Pages, on the other hand, also allows hosting static websites but is limited to GitLab repositories only.
2. 2. Continuous Integration/Deployment: GitHub Pages automatically builds and deploys the website whenever changes are pushed to the repository's main branch. It supports various static site generators, like Jekyll, and can be easily integrated with other CI/CD tools. GitLab Pages also offers continuous integration and deployment features, but with the added advantage of support for any static site generator. It allows you to choose your preferred build environment and customize the build process.
3. 3. Custom Domains: GitHub Pages supports custom domains, allowing you to use your own domain name for the hosted website. It provides easy setup and configuration options to link the repository to a custom domain. GitLab Pages also supports custom domains but requires additional configuration steps. It provides detailed documentation to help you set up the custom domain.
4. 4. Access Control: GitHub Pages allows you to control access to the hosted website by leveraging the same repository permissions. You can manage user access using GitHub's built-in access control features. GitLab Pages, on the other hand, provides more granular access control options. You can define specific access permissions for different user groups and even restrict access to specific pages or sections of the website.
5. 5. Built-in Continuous Integration Tools: GitHub Pages seamlessly integrates with GitHub Actions, which allows you to automate the build, testing, and deployment process of your website. You can easily configure workflows and leverage the vast ecosystem of GitHub Actions. GitLab Pages also offers built-in continuous integration tools through GitLab CI/CD. It provides an intuitive YAML-based configuration file to define the CI/CD pipeline for your website.
6. 6. Community and Ecosystem: GitHub has a larger and more active developer community compared to GitLab. This means that you can easily find support, tutorials, and resources related to hosting websites on GitHub Pages. GitHub also has a rich ecosystem of integrations, plugins, and themes that can enhance the functionality and design of your website. GitLab, although growing in popularity, may have a smaller community and ecosystem.

In Summary, some key differences between GitHub Pages and GitLab Pages include repository hosting options, continuous integration/deployment capabilities, handling of custom domains, access control features, built-in CI tools, and the size and activity of their respective developer communities.