Skip to content

Documentation: GitLab CI/CD + Strapi Integration & Data Workflow

Purpose of this Issue:

This issue is created to document and clarify how the Strapi backend is integrated with the GitLab CI/CD pipeline, and how backend data is managed after restricting Strapi admin access.

As the project evolves, it is important to maintain a clear understanding of deployment processes, data handling strategies, and system behavior to ensure consistency and ease of future development.

Why this Issue is Important:

  • Prevents confusion regarding how data is added or updated without Strapi Admin Panel
  • Ensures consistent deployment through GitLab CI/CD pipeline
  • Helps new developers understand the backend workflow quickly
  • Reduces dependency on manual processes
  • Acts as a single source of truth for backend deployment and data management

What This Issue Contains:

This issue focuses on creating “GitLab CI/CD + Strapi Integration Guide”, which will include:

1. CI/CD Pipeline Overview

  • Explanation of pipeline stages (build, test, deploy)
  • How GitLab triggers deployment on code push
  • Overall workflow from code commit to live server

2. GitLab Pipeline Configuration

  • Documentation of .gitlab-ci.yml
  • Explanation of each stage and script
  • Deployment process (e.g., PM2 restart / server update)

3. Strapi Backend Setup

  • Environment variables configuration
  • API tokens usage
  • Content-type structure

4. Data Management Strategy

  • How data is handled without Strapi Admin Panel

  • Whether using:

    • Seed scripts
    • API calls
    • Direct database updates

  • How data is synced during deployment

5. Integration Workflow

  • How GitLab CI/CD interacts with Strapi

  • End-to-end flow:

    • Code push → Pipeline → Deployment → Data update

6. Rollback & Error Handling

  • Steps to revert deployments
  • Common issues and solutions

7. Current Implementation Status

  • What is already implemented
  • What needs clarification from team
  • Pending or missing configurations

Expected Outcome (Deliverable):

A clear, structured, and complete documentation guide explaining:

  • How Strapi and GitLab CI/CD work together
  • How backend data is managed using Git instead of admin panel
  • A standardized workflow for future development and deployment

This documentation will be added to the project wiki for team reference.