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require-gitlab-ci-rules-over-only-except

Require GitLab CI jobs to use rules instead of legacy only / except filters.

Targeted pattern scope​

This rule checks .gitlab-ci.yml (or .gitlab-ci.yaml) and reports lines using only: or except: keys.

What this rule reports​

This rule reports legacy only / except usage so teams can standardize on rules.

Why this rule exists​

GitLab recommends rules for modern pipeline behavior and warns against mixing patterns that can create duplicate or confusing pipeline triggers.

❌ Incorrect​

test:
  script:
    - npm test
  only:
    - branches

✅ Correct​

test:
  script:
    - npm test
  rules:
    - if: $CI_COMMIT_BRANCH

ESLint flat config example​

import repoPlugin from "eslint-plugin-repo";

export default [
  repoPlugin.configs.gitlab,
  {
    plugins: { "repo-compliance": repoPlugin },
    rules: {
      "repo-compliance/require-gitlab-ci-rules-over-only-except": "warn",
    },
  },
];

When not to use it​

Disable this rule only if you intentionally maintain legacy only / except syntax and accept the associated maintenance tradeoffs.

Rule catalog ID: R033

Further reading​