Migrate from pipeline variables to pipeline inputs for better security

GitLab is encouraging users to migrate from pipeline variables to pipeline inputs for enhanced CI/CD security and usability. Pipeline variables, though convenient, lack robust security and proper documentation, potentially enabling unauthorized overrides. Pipeline inputs offer explicit declaration, type safety, and built-in validation, mitigating security risks. To restrict pipeline variables, configure the "Minimum role to use pipeline variables" setting, with "No one allowed" being the recommended and most secure option. Group level settings can enforce secure defaults for new projects. GitLab provides tools to disable pipeline variables in projects that don't need them. The migration involves converting variables to inputs, ensuring trigger jobs don't inadvertently pass variables. The migration to inputs enhances security by preventing variable injection, and improves pipeline maintainability and documentation. This shift takes time, but it protects CI/CD infrastructure. Ultimately, pipeline inputs improve CI/CD security and contribute to a more robust development process. Consider using GitLab Ultimate for enhanced security features.