git.nrw: Software Development and Project Management Beyond University Boundaries

We are delighted that git.nrw is now going into pilot operation at the University of Münster. With this new cross-university service, the CIT is replacing the existing GitLab service - operated locally in the University of Münster network as well. Employees and students of the University of Münster can access git.nrw with the Ultimate license including all benefits at gitlab.git.nrw. Access is gained by selecting the “git.nrw University Login” and then via the Uni Münster Single Sign-On.

The associated project git.nrw was launched to provide a central platform to facilitate the exchange of code and ideas between developers, students and lecturers. The aim of the project is to provide a shared central GitLab instance for all universities in NRW in order to facilitate cross-institutional work. The University of Münster is one of the first universities in NRW to be allowed to use the platform. Other universities will be connected step by step.

What is git.nrw?

git.nrw is based on the well-known version control system GitLab, which is used for exchanging software code and data and for collaborative work on software projects. Users can track changes to code, manage tasks and automate the development process. However, the central functions of git.nrw are not only suitable for software development, but can also be used for many other processes in research, teaching and IT operations.

In the community area of git.nrw, users can share their experiences and receive up-to-date information about the project. The area can be accessed via the “Mattermost” chat portal interface. Training content for self-learning is continuously being developed and made available via the project website in order to cover both the different target groups and the use cases developed in the project.

Usage Scenarios

  • Students can use git.nrw for software development or personal data management (e.g. for final theses). git.nrw is also suitable for group work or collaboration in courses.
  • Employees can benefit from git.nrw when collaborating digitally. It supports the presentation of organizational processes as well as joint work on data and cross-university projects. In addition to basic functions such as the exchange of software code and data, git.nrw is also suitable for managing projects in general.

A Look into the Future

In addition to collaboration within the University of Münster and across university boundaries, it should also be possible in future to invite external guests who do not belong to your own university to projects in order to work even more collaboratively. Furthermore, the aim is to develop templates for specific purposes so that not all pre-selections have to be made again for each new project.

The Project Behind the git.nrw Service

The associated project git.nrw is a cooperation project of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is jointly implemented by five universities: In addition to the University of Münster, RWTH Aachen University as consortium leader, the University of Cologne, the University of Duisburg-Essen and the Technical University of Cologne are participating. The CIT of the University of Münster is responsible for the operation and infrastructure of git.nrw. The project is supported by DH.NRW and funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science.

Further information on the project and current developments can be found on the git.nrw project website. There is also a FAQ section and a support form for your questions.

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