> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mains.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# GitLab

The GitLab integration syncs issues and merge requests from your selected projects into Mains's entity store. GitLab data becomes searchable locally and available as context in AI chat. Both **gitlab.com** and **self-hosted** instances are supported.

## **Authentication**

GitLab uses a **Personal Access Token** (PAT) with the `read_api` scope for authentication. The token is stored encrypted in the local database.

<Note>
  Mains requires only `read_api` access. No write operations are performed against your GitLab instance.
</Note>

## **Setup**

<Steps>
  <Step title="Generate a Personal Access Token">
    In GitLab, go to **Settings > Access Tokens** and create a new token with the `read_api` scope.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect GitLab">
    Go to **Settings > Connections** in Mains and click **Connect** next to GitLab. Enter your GitLab domain (defaults to `gitlab.com` for cloud, or enter your self-hosted domain) and paste your access token.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Projects">
    Choose which GitLab projects to sync. The project list shows the full namespace path and visibility (private or public).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Initial Sync">
    Mains fetches existing issues and merge requests from selected projects. Subsequent syncs happen incrementally.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## **Self-Hosted Instances**

Mains supports self-hosted GitLab installations. During setup, replace `gitlab.com` with your instance domain (e.g., `gitlab.mycompany.com`). The token and API calls will target your custom domain.