No option to login via browser to GitLab - as there is for GitHub

Problem

It is not possible to log in via browser to GitLab server via Settings (⌘ + , or Ctrl + Alt + S) > Version Control > GitLab > Add. The same is possible when authenticating to GitHub (Settings (⌘ + , or Ctrl + Alt + S) > Version Control > GitHub).

Cause

Authentication to GitLab for fetching merge request-related data is configured to only support the personal access token authentication method. This differs from the method used when working with source code repository operations (push/pull/fetch etc.).

Resolution

1. To configure GitLab authentication for merge requests within WebStorm:

   • Navigate to Settings (⌘ + , or Ctrl + Alt + S) > Version Control > GitLab > Add.
   • Use a personal access token generated in GitLab for authentication.

2. For source code repositories, both HTTP(S) and SSH authentication is supported:

   • Follow the instructions on setting up a Git repository here: Set up Git repository documentation.