A Comprehensive Guide to Installing and Configuring Jenkins

Jenkins is an open-source automation server that supports a wide range of continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) activities. This guide provides detailed steps on how to install and configure Jenkins, along with useful tips and best practices. Whether you prefer to run Jenkins as a standalone application or within a servlet container, this guide will help streamline the process.

Installing Jenkins: Options and Requirements

Before you dive into the installation process, ensure that your system meets the system requirements. Jenkins supports multiple operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Windows. For this guide, we will cover installing Jenkins in a standalone mode using Jetty, as well as deploying it as a servlet in Apache Tomcat and GlassFish.

Standalone Installation with Jetty

Installing Jenkins as a standalone application is the simplest method. Here are the detailed steps:

Download Jenkins: Head to the official Jenkins website () and download the latest version of Jenkins. Choose the Binary Distribution (tar) for Linux or Binary Distribution (DMG) for macOS for a custom installation. Extraction: Extract the downloaded file to a directory of your choice. For example: unzip jenkins.war -d /opt/jenkins Configuration: Jenkins stores its configuration files inside a specific directory. You need to set the JENKINS_HOME environment variable to point to this directory. For instance, if you extracted Jenkins to /opt/jenkins, run: export JENKINS_HOME/opt/jenkins Starting Jenkins: Start the Jetty container by executing the following command: jetty-runner -jar jenkins.war --port 8080

By default, Jenkins will run on port 8080. You can access it via http://localhost:8080/.

Deployment as a Servlet in Apache Tomcat

Deployment in a servlet container like Apache Tomcat is a bit different. Follow these steps:

Download Jenkins: Download the Jenkins WAR file as shown in the standalone installation section. Copy WAR File: Copy the Jenkins WAR file to the webapps directory of Apache Tomcat. For example: cp jenkins.war /path/to/tomcat/webapps/ Accessing Jenkins: Once installed, access Jenkins using the default Tomcat port (8080). You can change the context path if needed. For instance, to access Jenkins at /jenkins, you would navigate to http://localhost:8080/jenkins/.

Remember to install the necessary dependencies and set the correct permissions for the Tomcat user.

Deployment as a Servlet in GlassFish

Deploying Jenkins in GlassFish follows a similar procedure as with Apache Tomcat. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Download Jenkins: Download the Jenkins WAR file as described before. Copy WAR File: Copy the Jenkins WAR file to the domains/domain1/Applications directory of GlassFish. For example: cp jenkins.war /path/to/glassfish/domains/domain1/Applications/ Accessing Jenkins: Access Jenkins via the default web server settings. Typically, it will be at http://localhost:4848/jenkins/. Adjust the port and URL as necessary.

Configuring Jenkins

Once Jenkins is installed and running, the next step is to configure it. Configuring Jenkins involves setting up various plugins, initializing the database, and managing security settings.

Installing Plugins

Plugins are essential for extending Jenkins functionality. Follow these steps to install plugins:

Access Jenkins: Navigate to the Jenkins dashboard. Manage Jenkins: Use the left-hand navigation menu to go to Manage Jenkins Manage Plugins. Available Plugins: Under the Available tab, search for the desired plugin and click on the Install without restart button.

Database Initialization

Initial configuration of Jenkins includessetting up the database to store job configurations and build artifacts. Here’s how to initialize the database:

Access Jenkins: Log in to Jenkins. Configuration: Go to Manage Jenkins Configure System. Database Setup: Under the Global Security section, configure the database settings. Select the appropriate database and provide the necessary connection details.

Security Settings

Ensure that Jenkins is secure by following these security best practices:

Change Default Credentials: Change the default admin credentials to something more secure. You can do this via Manage Jenkins Configure Global Security. Enable Security: Enable security features such as password expiration, secret text, and secure cookies. Access Control: Set up appropriate permissions for users and roles in the Manage Jenkins Manage Users section.

Conclusion

This guide covers the essentials of installing and configuring Jenkins, whether you prefer a standalone installation or deploying it within a servlet container. By following the step-by-step instructions and best practices, you can set up Jenkins to meet your organization's CI/CD needs.

Create, automate, and simplify your development pipeline with Jenkins today!