Jenkins is an open source automation server. It helps automate the parts of software development related to building, testing, and deploying, facilitating continuous integration and continuous delivery. It is a server-based system that runs in servlet containers such as Apache Tomcat. It supports version control tools, including AccuRev, CVS, Subversion, Git, Mercurial, Perforce, ClearCase and RTC, and can execute Apache Ant, Apache Maven and sbt based projects as well as arbitrary shell scripts and Windows batch commands.
Jenkins Features?
Easy Installation
Jenkins is a platform-agnostic, self-contained Java-based program, ready to run with packages for Windows, Mac OS, and Unix-like operating systems.
Easy Configuration
Jenkins is easily set up and configured using its web interface, featuring error checks and a built-in help function.
Available Plugins
There are hundreds of plugins available in the Update Center, integrating with every tool in the CI and CD toolchain.
Extensible
Jenkins can be extended by means of its plugin architecture, providing nearly endless possibilities for what it can do.
Easy Distribution
Jenkins can easily distribute work across multiple machines for faster builds, tests, and deployments across multiple platforms.
Free Open Source
Jenkins is an open-source resource backed by heavy community support.
As a part of our learning about what is Jenkins, let us next learn about the Jenkins architecture.
Advantages of Using Jenkins
Jenkins is a powerful tool truly built and friendly for developers. Here are some of the most significant advantages of using Jenkins:
1. Free to Use
Jenkins is fully open-source and free to use. Since its development in 2011, it is the most preferred CI/CD tool used by developers in both early-stage startups and big organizations.
2. Rich Plugin Ecosystem
There are over a thousand different plugins that can be used to enhance the functionality of a Jenkins environment and suit the specific needs of an organization.
3. Easy Integration
Jenkins can be easily integrated with a number of popular cloud platforms such as Google Cloud, Digital Ocean, Amazon EC2 and more.