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DevOps / GitLab CI Basics Interview Questions

What is the difference between 'only/except' and 'rules' in GitLab CI?

only and except are the original (legacy) keywords for controlling when jobs run. rules is the modern replacement introduced in GitLab 12.3 that provides more flexibility and clearer logic.

only/except vs rules
Aspectonly/exceptrules
IntroductionGitLab initial releaseGitLab 12.3
StatusStill supported; not deprecated but not recommended for new pipelinesRecommended for new configurations
ConflictCan be used together (but only/except wins if both present on same job)Cannot be combined with only/except on the same job
LogicSeparate allow/deny listsSequential rule evaluation - first match wins
FlexibilityLimited - only ref, variables, changes, kubernetesFull expressions, allow_failure, when, start_in
# Legacy only/except (works but not recommended for new pipelines):
deploy-old:
  script: ./deploy.sh
  only:
    - main
    - tags
  except:
    - schedules

# Modern rules equivalent (preferred):
deploy-new:
  script: ./deploy.sh
  rules:
    - if: $CI_COMMIT_TAG                         # matches any tag push
    - if: $CI_COMMIT_BRANCH == "main"
      when: on_success
    - when: never

Recommendation: use rules for all new pipeline configurations. It supports complex conditional logic with if, changes, exists, and when in a single keyword, replacing the fragmented only/except approach.

Which keyword approach is recommended for new GitLab CI/CD pipelines?
Can you use 'only' and 'rules' on the same job in GitLab CI?

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