Get started with GitLab Duo

GitLab Duo is an AI-native assistant that helps you throughout your planning, development, and security workflow. GitLab Duo includes features like Code Suggestions and Code Explanation, which help you write, review, and edit code.

Step 1: Ensure you have access to GitLab Duo

GitLab Duo requires setup by your administrator, group, or project owner.

If you have issues accessing GitLab Duo features, your administrators can check the health of the installation.

For more information, see:

• Turn on GitLab Duo.
• Health check details.

Step 2: Try GitLab Duo Chat in the UI

To get started, try using Chat in the GitLab UI.

Go to a project and in the upper-right corner, select the button for GitLab Duo Chat. If this button is available, it means everything is configured properly. Try asking Chat a question about a specific issue or merge request, or about GitLab in general.

For more information, see:

• GitLab Duo Non-Agentic Chat.

Step 3: Try other GitLab Duo features

GitLab Duo is available throughout your workflow. From planning sprints to troubleshooting CI/CD pipelines, from writing test cases to resolving security threats, GitLab Duo can help you in a variety of ways.

The features you have access to might differ, depending on your subscription.

For more information, see:

• A decision tree, to help you decide which GitLab Duo features match your workflow.
• The complete list of GitLab Duo features.
• How to turn on GitLab Duo features that are still in development.

Step 4: Prepare to use GitLab Duo in your IDE

Now try GitLab Duo features in your IDE. In VS Code and other editors, you can use features like GitLab Duo Chat, the software development flow, and Code Suggestions.

To get started, install an extension and authenticate with GitLab.

For more information, see:

• Set up the extension for VS Code.
• Set up the extension for JetBrains.
• Set up the extension for Visual Studio.
• Set up the extension for Neovim.
• Use the Web IDE.

Step 5: Start using IDE features

Finally, test GitLab Duo in your IDE.

• Code Suggestions recommends code as you type.
• Chat is available to ask questions about your code or anything else you need.
• The software development flow performs tasks on your behalf.

You can choose the development languages you want suggestions for.

For more information, see:

• Supported extensions and languages.
• Turn on Code Suggestions.
• Troubleshoot GitLab for VS Code.
• Troubleshoot the GitLab Duo plugin for JetBrains IDEs.
• Troubleshoot GitLab for Visual Studio.
• Troubleshoot the GitLab plugin for Neovim.