GitLab 18.5 Released: Better Secret Detection, AI-Powered CLI and Merge Train Enhancements

What’s New in GitLab 18.5: Enhanced Security and Developer Experience

GitLab 18.5 is here and it brings a host of exciting updates that cater to both DevOps teams and enterprise businesses. Whether you’re managing complex deployments or securing your software supply chain, this release delivers powerful new features to supercharge your workflows.

Introducing Scan Execution Policies for Secret Detection

Security remains a top priority in GitLab 18.5. You can now enforce scan execution policies for Secret Detection, ensuring that this critical check runs consistently across your projects. This enterprise-grade capability gives security teams peace of mind by embedding rules directly into compliance frameworks for better governance.

Improved GitLab CLI with GitLab Duo Support

The GitLab CLI has now been enhanced to support GitLab Duo, making AI features more accessible via the command line. From generating merge request summaries to refactoring code snippets, developers can now utilise AI tools without ever leaving their terminal. It’s a productivity boost for teams working in fast-paced environments.

Support for Custom CI/CD Variables in Merge Trains

Merge trains just got more powerful! GitLab 18.5 introduces support for user-defined CI/CD variables, offering even more flexibility in managing complex pipelines. You can now set specific variables for each queued merge request, simplifying deployment flows and reducing manual interventions.

Streamlined Instance-Level Integration Management

Managing tool integrations is easier than ever with improved instance-level integration management. Administrators can now view and troubleshoot failed integrations at scale, making it simpler to maintain a healthy DevOps ecosystem across large organisations.

Plus More in 18.5

• Secure scanning job templates now accessible as standalone includes
• Project deletion verification added for better safety
• Improved Visual Studio Code Extension updates for smoother workflows
• Dozens of performance and reliability improvements

At IDEA GitLab Solutions, we’re proud to support organisations across Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, the UK, and beyond. As a GitLab Select Partner, we offer expert consulting services and licences tailored to your needs. Reach out today to maximise your GitLab investment with local expertise and global insight.

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