Example

In this how-to we will move repositories from https://source.uit.no to https://source.coderefinery.org to have an explicit example but the strategy is general and works with any host name.

Please also note that GitLab has good import functionality from all major platforms.

Check first whether you track any issues

Before you move your repositories check whether you track any issues in your current repository by visiting https://source.uit.no/your-namespace/your-project/issues. If you see issues listed there, stop here and contact support@coderefinery.org to discuss how to move issues. If no, please continue below. The moving will be very easy.

How to move a Git repository with entire history, all branches and tags to a new place

• Get a user account on the new server (e.g. https://source.coderefinery.org).
• Contact support@coderefinery.org to get your account activated so that you can create groups and projects.
• Once this is done, create a new empty project under https://source.coderefinery.org, e.g. https://source.coderefinery.org/your-namespace/your-project/. You can do this either under your namespace or you can create new groups and place projects there.
• Mirror the repository from old server to your computer: $ git clone --mirror git@source.uit.no:your-namespace/your-project.git
• Go inside the freshly created directory on your computer: $ cd your-project.git
• Push the entire repository to the new server: $ git push --mirror git@source.coderefinery.org:your-namespace/your-project.git
• Verify that it is now there: https://source.coderefinery.org/your-namespace/your-project/

Do you have a wiki in your project(s)?

You can verify this by visiting https://source.uit.no/your-namespace/your-project/wikis/home. If yes, you need to move the wiki separately since it is not part of the code project.

Moving a wiki is very similar to moving the code repository:

• Mirror the wiki from old server to your computer: $ git clone --mirror git@source.uit.no:your-namespace/your-project.wiki.git
• Go inside the freshly created directory on your computer: $ cd your-project.wiki.git
• Push the wiki to the new server: $ git push --mirror git@source.coderefinery.org:your-namespace/your-project.wiki.git

Finally verify that it went well

At the end verify that all branches and tags are present on the new server by visiting https://source.coderefinery.org/your-namespace/your-project/branches and https://source.coderefinery.org/your-namespace/your-project/tags. If you moved wikis, make sure they are present on the new server. If you are unsure whether the migration worked, please contact support@coderefinery.org and we will try to help you double-checking the procedure.

Help!

If you have questions or need any assistance with moving repositories, please contact support@coderefinery.org and we will try to help you out.