How to Install Jenkins

Jenkins is a leading open-source automation server that supports building, deploying, and automating projects. It’s essential for achieving Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) in software development workflows.

Prerequisites

• A server with a supported Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, Red Hat).
• Java Development Kit (JDK) installed (Jenkins requires at least Java 8).
• A user account with sudo access.

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Update Your System

Before starting, ensure your system packages are up-to-date:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Java

Install the latest Java OpenJDK package using:

sudo apt install openjdk-11-jdk

Verify the installation:

java -version

Step 3: Add Jenkins Repository

Jenkins isn’t available through default repositories. Add the official Jenkins repository:

• First, add the GPG key:

wget -q -O - https://pkg.jenkins.io/debian-stable/jenkins.io.key | sudo apt-key add -

• Add the Jenkins repository to the sources list:

sudo sh -c 'echo deb http://pkg.jenkins.io/debian-stable binary/ > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/jenkins.list'

Step 4: Install Jenkins

Update your package manager and install Jenkins:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install jenkins

Step 5: Start and Enable Jenkins

Jenkins should start automatically after installation. You can enable it to start at boot:

sudo systemctl start jenkins
sudo systemctl enable jenkins

Step 6: Configure Jenkins

Open a web browser and visit Jenkins on port 8080:

http://your_server_ip_or_domain:8080

You’ll see a page to unlock Jenkins. Retrieve the one-time password by:

sudo cat /var/lib/jenkins/secrets/initialAdminPassword

Enter this password into the setup page to continue.

Troubleshooting

• If Jenkins does not start, check the service status:

sudo systemctl status jenkins

• Inspect logs for more details:

sudo tail -f /var/log/jenkins/jenkins.log

Finalizing Setup

Once logged in, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup, including plugin installation and creating an admin user.

Summary Checklist

• Ensure Java is installed.
• Add and configure Jenkins repository.
• Install and start Jenkins service.
• Access Jenkins via web and complete the setup.

About the Author

Dorian Kane

Author

View All Posts