No this is not gate check-in, more like board check-in, and they usually do it when the plane is more than half-full. So absolutely no paperwork and stuff, but the carry-on travels in a separate luggage compartment under the plane, and not in the overhead bin.

Just take your more-or-less rules abiding carry-on with you, if they ask you to give them when boarding the plane the do it, if not then just stuff it somewhere. But definitely no check-in and no waiting for it. (and no connection hurdles)