What is the purpose of the `.gitlab-ci.yml` file and where should it be placed?

beginner

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The .gitlab-ci.yml file is the configuration file that defines your CI/CD pipeline. It must be placed in the root directory of your repository.

Purpose:

Defines pipeline structure (stages, jobs, scripts)
Specifies when and how jobs should run
Configures deployment environments
Sets up variables, artifacts, and dependencies

GitLab automatically detects this file when code is pushed and triggers the pipeline accordingly. The YAML format makes it version-controlled and easily readable.

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