How do I add users to my Google Cloud platform project?

Adding users to your Google Cloud Platform (GCP) project is a straightforward process managed through the Identity and Access Management (IAM) settings. Here's a detailed guide:

Steps to Add Users to Your GCP Project

The process involves navigating to the IAM & Admin section in the Google Cloud Console and granting the new member the necessary permissions.

1. Open the console left side menu and select IAM & Admin. This is the starting point for managing access to your GCP project.
2. From the project list, choose the project that you want to add a member to. If you have multiple projects, ensure you're selecting the correct one.
3. Click Add Member and provide an email address. This is where you input the Google Account email address of the user you want to add. You can add individual users or Google Groups.

Detailed Instructions

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the steps:

1. Accessing IAM & Admin:

   • Log in to the Google Cloud Console.
   • Click the Navigation menu (☰) in the top-left corner.
   • Scroll down to IAM & Admin and select IAM.

2. Selecting the Project:

   • If you have multiple projects, ensure the correct project is selected in the project dropdown menu at the top of the screen.

3. Adding a Member:

   • Click the ADD MEMBER button.
   • In the New members field, enter the email address of the Google Account you want to add.
   • Use the Select a role dropdown to assign the appropriate role(s) to the user. The role determines what resources the user can access and what actions they can perform in the project. For example, you might grant a user the "Viewer" role for read-only access or the "Editor" role for broader access.
   • Click Save.

Important Considerations

• Every project must have at least one project member that is an individual. This ensures that there is always a responsible party with administrative access.
• Google Groups can be added as members. This simplifies management when granting the same permissions to multiple users.
• Role Selection: Carefully consider the roles you assign. Overly permissive roles can pose security risks. Follow the principle of least privilege – grant only the permissions necessary for the user to perform their tasks.
• Service Accounts: In addition to user accounts, you can also add service accounts, which are non-human accounts used by applications to access GCP resources.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage user access to your Google Cloud Platform projects, ensuring a secure and well-organized cloud environment.