Github ci with private repository in julia

When working with Julia and private repositories on GitHub, setting up continuous integration (CI) can be a bit tricky. In this article, we will explore three different ways to solve the problem of setting up CI with a private repository in Julia.

Option 1: Using GitHub Actions

GitHub Actions is a powerful CI/CD platform provided by GitHub. To set up CI with a private repository in Julia using GitHub Actions, follow these steps:

1. Create a new workflow file in your repository’s .github/workflows directory. For example, .github/workflows/ci.yml.
2. Define the workflow using YAML syntax. Specify the trigger events, jobs, and steps required for your CI process.
3. Configure the workflow to use a Julia environment. You can specify the Julia version and any additional packages required for your project.
4. Set up the necessary secrets in your repository settings. For example, you might need to add a secret for your GitHub token or any other credentials required for your CI process.
5. Commit and push the workflow file to your repository.

name: CI

on:
  push:
    branches:
      - main

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest

    steps:
    - name: Checkout repository
      uses: actions/checkout@v2

    - name: Set up Julia
      uses: julia-actions/setup-julia@v1
      with:
        version: 1.6

    - name: Install dependencies
      run: julia -e 'using Pkg; Pkg.instantiate()'

    - name: Run tests
      run: julia -e 'using Pkg; Pkg.test()'

Option 1 is a straightforward and widely used approach. It leverages the power of GitHub Actions and provides a seamless CI experience. However, it requires some initial setup and configuration.

Option 2: Using Travis CI

Travis CI is another popular CI platform that can be used with Julia. To set up CI with a private repository in Julia using Travis CI, follow these steps:

1. Create a .travis.yml file in the root of your repository.
2. Define the build matrix and specify the Julia versions you want to test against.
3. Configure the necessary environment variables and secrets required for your CI process.
4. Commit and push the .travis.yml file to your repository.

language: julia

os:
  - linux

julia:
  - 1.6

notifications:
  email: false

script:
  - julia -e 'using Pkg; Pkg.instantiate()'
  - julia -e 'using Pkg; Pkg.test()'

Option 2 is a popular choice for CI in the Julia community. Travis CI provides a simple and intuitive configuration file format, making it easy to set up CI for your private repository.

Option 3: Using GitLab CI/CD

If you are using GitLab for your private repository, you can leverage GitLab CI/CD to set up CI in Julia. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Create a .gitlab-ci.yml file in the root of your repository.
2. Define the stages, jobs, and steps required for your CI process.
3. Configure the necessary environment variables and secrets required for your CI process.
4. Commit and push the .gitlab-ci.yml file to your repository.

stages:
  - test

test:
  stage: test
  image: julia:1.6

  script:
    - julia -e 'using Pkg; Pkg.instantiate()'
    - julia -e 'using Pkg; Pkg.test()'

Option 3 is a great choice if you are already using GitLab for your private repository. GitLab CI/CD provides a seamless integration with GitLab and offers powerful CI capabilities.

After exploring these three options, it is difficult to determine which one is better as it depends on your specific requirements and preferences. GitHub Actions, Travis CI, and GitLab CI/CD are all reliable CI platforms that can be used with Julia. Consider factors such as ease of setup, integration with your existing workflow, and community support when choosing the best option for your project.