Introduction
Don’t get me wrong, GitHub is a fantastic platform with a wide array of features that make it a go-to choice for many developers around the world. I, too, enjoy pushing some of my repositories to GitHub, particularly for public projects where visibility and collaboration are key. However, when it comes to my primary choice for version control, I prefer something a bit more personal and under my control—Gitea.
Gitea is a self-hosted Git service that provides me with the autonomy and security I need. It’s been my go-to solution for version control, and I run my instance of Gitea on a Proxmox-based hypervisor at home. This server, which runs Docker and about 40 other applications, is the heart of my self-hosting setup. But why do I love Gitea so much? There are several compelling reasons. Why Gitea?
1. Self-Hosted
One of the main attractions of Gitea is that it’s self-hosted. This means that I’m not reliant on any third-party services to manage my code. All my repositories are stored on my own server, giving me full control over my data. In today’s world, where privacy and data ownership are increasingly important, self-hosting solutions like Gitea offer a sense of security that cloud-based services can’t match. By keeping my code on my own infrastructure, I know exactly who has access to it and how it’s being used.
2. Lightweight
Gitea is incredibly lightweight, especially compared to some other self-hosted Git services. It doesn’t require a lot of resources to run, which is ideal for my setup. Even with multiple repositories and several users, Gitea remains responsive and efficient. This lightweight nature makes it perfect for running on a home server or a small VPS, where resource management is crucial. I can run Gitea alongside other applications without worrying about it hogging system resources.
3. Secure
Security is a top priority for me, and Gitea delivers on this front. By hosting my own instance, I eliminate the risk of third-party breaches or data leaks. My Gitea instance is only accessible on my local network, adding an extra layer of security. Even in the event of an internet outage, my repositories remain accessible from within my network. Additionally, I’ve set up a backup script that ensures my entire Gitea instance is safely stored on my NAS, so I’m prepared for any eventuality. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially when working on sensitive projects.
4. Free
Gitea is open-source and free to use, which is another significant advantage. There are no licensing fees, and I’m not locked into any proprietary systems. The open-source nature of Gitea means that it’s constantly being improved by a community of developers, and I can customize it to fit my specific needs. For someone like me, who enjoys tinkering and optimizing my setup, this flexibility is a huge benefit.
5. Simple & Easy to Set Up
Despite its powerful features, Gitea is surprisingly simple to set up and use. The installation process is straightforward, and the user interface is intuitive. Whether you’re an experienced developer or someone new to self-hosting, Gitea provides a user-friendly experience that makes version control accessible to everyone. The documentation is thorough, and the community support is strong, so even if you run into issues, help is readily available.
6. Supports Multiple Code Containers
One of the lesser-known but incredibly useful features of Gitea is its ability to handle multiple code containers. This allows me to organize my projects and repositories in a way that makes sense for my workflow. Whether I’m working on a personal project, collaborating with others, or managing multiple versions of a project, Gitea’s support for multiple containers ensures that everything stays organized and manageable.
The Added Security of Self-Hosting
The security benefits of Gitea cannot be overstated. By self-hosting, I don’t have to rely on a third-party service to dictate who can see and use my code. My repositories are hosted on my local network, making them accessible to all of my devices, even if my internet connection goes down. This level of control is something that cloud-based services simply can’t offer. With my backup script in place, I’ve ensured that my data is safe and recoverable in case of any hardware failure. This setup allows me to work with confidence, knowing that my code is secure and always accessible.
A Note on the Recent Controversy
It’s worth mentioning that Gitea has been at the center of some controversy recently. The project’s shift to a dual licensing model, managed by a for-profit company, has sparked concerns within the community. Many contributors who valued Gitea for its open-source roots felt disillusioned by this change. Some even decided to fork the project, leading to the creation of Forgejo, which aims to maintain a fully open-source version of Gitea.
Despite these developments, Gitea continues to work exceptionally well for my purposes in my environment. The flexibility, security, and ease of use it provides outweigh the concerns that have arisen. For anyone considering self-hosting their own version control system, Gitea remains a powerful and reliable option, especially if you’re like me and value control over your own data. Conclusion
In conclusion, while GitHub is a great platform, Gitea offers a level of control, security, and customization that aligns perfectly with my needs. Its lightweight, easy-to-use nature, coupled with the peace of mind that comes from self-hosting, makes it the ideal choice for my version control needs. And despite the recent controversy, I’m confident that Gitea will continue to be a valuable tool in my development environment. If you’re curious about self-hosting and looking for a robust, secure solution, I highly recommend giving Gitea a try.