GitLab CI Pipeline Trigger Failed

A pipeline trigger failed due to incorrect trigger token or configuration.

Understanding GitLab CI

GitLab CI/CD is a powerful tool integrated within GitLab that allows developers to automate the build, test, and deployment of their code. It is designed to streamline the software development process by providing continuous integration and continuous delivery capabilities. With GitLab CI, you can define a pipeline in a .gitlab-ci.yml file, which specifies the jobs and stages to be executed.

Identifying the Symptom: Pipeline Trigger Failed

One common issue encountered in GitLab CI is the 'Pipeline Trigger Failed' error. This error typically manifests when a pipeline does not start as expected after a trigger event. You might see messages indicating that the pipeline could not be triggered, or it might simply not appear in the pipeline list.

Exploring the Issue: Incorrect Trigger Token or Configuration

The 'Pipeline Trigger Failed' error often arises due to an incorrect trigger token or misconfiguration in the pipeline settings. Each trigger in GitLab CI requires a unique token, which must be correctly specified in the API call or webhook configuration. If the token is incorrect or the trigger settings are misconfigured, the pipeline will not start.

Common Causes

  • Incorrect or expired trigger token.
  • Misconfigured webhook or API call.
  • Insufficient permissions for the user or token.

Steps to Fix the Pipeline Trigger Issue

To resolve the 'Pipeline Trigger Failed' error, follow these steps:

Step 1: Verify the Trigger Token

Ensure that the trigger token used in your API call or webhook is correct. You can find the token in your project's settings under CI / CD > Triggers. If the token is missing or incorrect, regenerate it and update your configuration.

Step 2: Check Trigger Configuration

Review the trigger configuration in your .gitlab-ci.yml file. Ensure that the trigger is correctly defined and that the conditions for triggering the pipeline are met. For more details on configuring triggers, refer to the GitLab CI/CD Triggers Documentation.

Step 3: Validate Permissions

Confirm that the user or token used to trigger the pipeline has the necessary permissions. The user must have at least Developer access to the project. Check the project's permissions settings to ensure proper access levels.

Step 4: Test the Trigger

After verifying the token and configuration, test the trigger by manually invoking it using a curl command or through the GitLab UI. For example, you can use the following curl command:

curl -X POST -F token=YOUR_TRIGGER_TOKEN -F ref=main https://gitlab.com/api/v4/projects/YOUR_PROJECT_ID/trigger/pipeline

Replace YOUR_TRIGGER_TOKEN and YOUR_PROJECT_ID with your actual token and project ID.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the 'Pipeline Trigger Failed' error in GitLab CI. Ensuring that your trigger token and configuration are correct is crucial for the successful execution of your pipelines. For further assistance, consult the GitLab CI/CD Documentation.

Never debug

GitLab CI

manually again

Let Dr. Droid create custom investigation plans for your infrastructure.

Book Demo
Automate Debugging for
GitLab CI
See how Dr. Droid creates investigation plans for your infrastructure.

MORE ISSUES

Made with ❤️ in Bangalore & San Francisco 🏢

Doctor Droid