glab adds a variable import command
Introduced 2026-07-21 · score 0.97
HOW TO USE IT
When importing project or group CI/CD variables, provide a JSON array in the shape emitted by `glab variable export --output json`; use `--input-file` for a file or pipe JSON on standard input. By default, import targets the current project and errors if a variable already exists; use `--skip-existing` to continue past existing variables.
glab variable import --input-file variables.jsonglab variable import --input-file variables.json --skip-existingglab variable export --group <group> | glab variable import --group <group>WHY THIS HELPS
Import variables for a repository using glab.
REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS
- Version: v1.109.0
- --input-file <file>: Read JSON from this file instead of standard input.
- --group <group>: Select a group or subgroup; ignored if a repository argument is set.
- --repo <repository>: Select another repository using OWNER/REPO, GROUP/NAMESPACE/REPO, a full URL, or a Git URL.
- --skip-existing: Skip existing variables instead of stopping with an error.
- Prerequisite: Provide a JSON array of variable objects in the same shape as `glab variable export --output json`; input may come from standard input or `--input-file`.
- Prerequisite: Install glab and authenticate with GitLab; the CLI getting-started docs list these setup steps.
FIRST-PARTY EVIDENCE
- https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/cli/-/releases/v1.109.0
- https://docs.gitlab.com/cli/variable/import/
- https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/cli/
Check the installed version and the source before using it. Entry JSON