Integrate 4D Components Directly from GitLab

Managing external components is a key part of modern development workflows. While GitHub integration already simplified dependency management in 4D, many developers work in more diverse environments.

Some teams host their components on a self-managed GitLab instance or rely on the official GitLab.com server. Following a request from the forum, 4D 20 R3 now introduces native support for GitLab repositories directly in the Project Dependencies interface.

Create your GitLab release

This video demonstrates how to create a release from a 4D component build and how to retrieve and integrate it using the Project Dependencies interface:

Add a GitLab dependency

Adding a GitLab component follows the same workflow as GitHub.

From the Project Dependencies interface, click “+” button to add a dependency and select the GitLab tab. You can then:

• Paste a full GitLab repository URL
• Or simply enter the account/repository for repositories hosted on gitlab.com

If you copied a GitLab URL beforehand, 4D automatically detects it and pre-fills the fields, saving you time.

When you click the Add button, a new component will appear in your Project Dependencies screen, marked as ready to be downloaded on the next project restart:

After restarting your project, the component will be correctly installed and ready to use:

Secure access with personal access tokens

When accessing private repositories, authentication is required. 4D makes this seamless:

• If a token is needed, a dialog prompts you to enter your GitLab personal access token
• Tokens can be added, modified, or removed at any time
• Each GitLab server can have its own associated token

This ensures secure and flexible access to your dependencies.

Choose the version that fits your needs

When a repository is valid, just as with GitHub, you can choose how to retrieve it:

• Get the highest release (highest semantic version number)
• Use an exact release version (tag)
• Use semantic versioning
• Follow your 4D version

Manage your dependencies

Once added, GitLab dependencies behave just like other components:

• A GitLab icon appears in the list
• Hovering displays a quick access hint to view the repository
• Right-click options include:
  • View on GitLab
  • Edit dependency
  • Check for updates
  • Update on next startup
  • Remove dependency

Conclusion

GitLab integration brings more flexibility and control to your 4D projects. Whether you are working with private repositories, enforcing strict versioning, or simply streamlining your workflow, this feature helps you stay focused on what matters most: building your application.

Give it a try and bring your components hosted on GitLab directly into your 4D projects with ease.