What Is CI_JOB_TOKEN?
CI_JOB_TOKEN is an automatically generated token scoped to the running job, used to authenticate to GitLab services.
CI_JOB_TOKEN lets a job pull container images, clone dependent projects, or call certain API endpoints without a personal token. It expires when the job finishes.
Common uses
- Log in to the GitLab Container Registry
- Clone another project (if allowed)
- Authenticate package downloads
Key takeaways
- CI_JOB_TOKEN authenticates the job to GitLab.
- It expires when the job ends.
- Used for registry login and dependent clones.