What is the primary function of GitLab Review Apps?

The primary function of GitLab Review Apps is to automatically generate dynamic environments for merge requests. This feature allows developers to test new features or changes in a live environment that closely resembles the production setup, providing immediate feedback during the development process. When a merge request is created, a review app can be deployed, allowing team members and stakeholders to view and interact with the changes made. This significantly enhances collaboration and helps in identifying issues early on, leading to more efficient development and higher-quality code.

Review apps simplify the testing workflow by providing a consistent and automated way to validate changes in an isolated environment. They are particularly useful for applications that rely on frontend and backend interactions because these apps can simulate the entire stack and allow for proper testing before merging code into the main branch. This practice reduces the risk of conflicts and regressions in the production environment, making it a vital aspect of continuous integration and deployment practices.