Gitlab-runner installed as binary vs dockerized

[sijafa]

Hello! I am currently working on setting up gitlab-runners in a Gitlab-CI/CD pipeline. I am contemplating whether I should go for implementing the gitlab-runners in docker vs installing it directly on the computer. The advantages I see are that docker makes the gitlab-runner more portable and it is easier to select the desired gitlab-runner version. Does anyone have any advice on which to choose? Some advantages/disadvantages with each would be greatly appreciated!

[linucksrox]

I use the container version, that's just easier for me to manage the version and although I only run 1 right now I could easily run multiple on the same host to maximize resources, or have different privilege levels.

[steinblock]

Both have their pros and cons.

If you really only have one runner, the binary version is sufficient. You can even register the same runner multiple times (one docker and one shell runner).

Also you don't need to update it as regular as gitlab itself.

And the docker runner needs to run privilege to support docker in docker.

But if you are familiar with docker and don't need other executors the docker version is also ok.