Jenkins Plugins: How to Use and Configure Jenkins Plugins
Jenkins Plugins: How to Use and Configure Jenkins Plugins. Jenkins is a freely available automation server that has earned its place in modern Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. Notably, Jenkin’s remarkable flexibility and extensibility are all thanks to its vast ecosystem of plugins. Jenkins plugins allow you to integrate seamlessly with diverse tools, automate complex workflows, and streamline the software development process.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the intricacies of Jenkins Plugins. You’ll understand their significance in optimizing CI/CD pipelines and learn how to use and configure them effectively.
Well, let’s start article Jenkins Plugins: How to Use and Configure Jenkins Plugins.
What are Jenkins Plugins?
A Jenkins plugin is an extension or add-on module that enhances the functionality of the Jenkins automation server. Primarily, these plugins provide additional features, tools, and integrations that are not natively part of Jenkins. As a result of this modular design, you have the flexibility to install only the plugins that are crucial for your particular projects.
Each Jenkins plugin serves a particular purpose or task and is typically written in Java following a well-defined API and development guidelines provided by Jenkins. And here’s the best part – you get immediate access to a collection of more than 1800 plugins from the Jenkins Plugin Directory.
How to Use Jenkins Plugins
Use Jenkins plugins for many applications – from enhancing code quality to automating deployments and everything in between. And all you have to do is install the plugin and tweak the settings to suit your application. That said, here are 10 ways you can use Jenkins plugins:
Source Code Management (SCM) Integration
Build Automation
Automate the building, testing, and packaging of projects, ensuring consistent and efficient management of code changes. Examples include Gradle and Ant Plugin.
Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD)
Create and manage complex CI/CD workflows, seamlessly integrating building, testing, and deployment stages. With these plugins, create efficient and reliable software delivery pipelines. Examples: Pipeline and Workflow Plugin.
Testing and Quality Control
Automate testing processes and ensure code quality by identifying defects and issues early in the development cycle. Use the JUnit Plugin, TestNG Plugin, or NUnit Plugin.
Code Analysis and Reporting
Analyse code for issues and generate detailed reports on code quality, aiding in decision-making and enhancing code maintainability. Examples are: Checkstyle, PMD and FindBugs Plugin.
Artifact Management
Plugins such as Artifactory Plugin and Nexus Platform Plugin help with the management of build artifacts and dependencies. As a result, you get reliable storage and consistent handling of binary files.
Deployment
Automate application deployment processes to various platforms and environments to ensure rapid and consistent software deployment. Plugins such as Docker and Kubernetes Continuous Deploy Plugin enhance efficiency and reduce deployment errors.
Notifications
Get real-time updates on build and deployment statuses by using plugins such as Email Notification Plugin, Slack and Microsoft Teams Integration Plugin.
Dashboard and Visualization
Get visualizations of project status and progress through clear and customizable dashboards with plugins such as Dashboard View and Build Monitor View Plugin.
Security and Authentication
Plugins like Role based Authorization Strategy Plugin and LDAP Plugin establish a secure development environment.
Remember that plugin usage may vary depending on your specific project requirements and technology stack. Always refer to the official Jenkins documentation and plugin documentation for the most up-to-date and detailed usage instructions.
How to Configure Jenkins Plugins
In this section of Jenkins Plugins: How to Use and Configure Jenkins Plugins we guide you through installing and configuring Jenkins plugins. As you follow along, you discover how easy it is to take your automation process to the next level by leveraging Jenkins plugins. We explore both the web interface approach and the manual method. So, let’s get started.
Prerequisites
- Jenkins server installed and running in your system.
- Administrator or management permissions.
Using the Jenkins Web Interface:
Start Jenkins
To begin, open your preferred web browser and enter the URL of your Jenkins server. If Jenkins is hosted on a remote server, use its IP address or domain name.
Next, Jenkins login page shows. Here, enter the admin username and password into the login page, and click Continue to access Jenkins dashboard.
Navigate to the Jenkins Plugin Manager
After accessing the Jenkins dashboard, you are in the main control centre of Jenkins. To proceed, click on the Manage Jenkins option on the left-hand sidebar.
Now click on Plugins, under the System Configuration menu.
Install Plugins
Click on the Available plugins menu item to view the list of available plugins for installation.
To install a specific plugin, use the search bar to find plugins by name or keywords related to their functionality. For this example, we install a plugin called Role-based Authorization Strategy.
Mark the checkbox adjacent to its name. This indicates that you want to install this particular plugin. Find out more about the plugin by clicking on the plugin name.
Click on Install without restart. It takes few minutes to download the plugin depending on your internet connection speed. Alternatively, go with the Download now and install after restart option. If you choose this option, the plugin downloads, awaiting installation until you restart Jenkins.
Some plugins could have dependencies on other plugins. In the event that the plugin you’re installing requires additional plugins, Jenkins displays a list of those dependencies. Make sure to install them as well to ensure the plugin works correctly.
Review and Confirm
Now it’s time to review the plugin you’ve selected for installation and its dependencies. Once you’ve confirmed that the installation was successful mark the Restart Jenkins when installation is complete and no jobs are running checkbox.
With everything set, Jenkins restarts.
Verify Plugin Installation
Finally, go back to the Jenkins dashboard. Go to Manage Jenkins > Plugins and check under Installed Plugins. Use the search box to find the plugin you just installed. At this point, you’ll be able to see the newly installed plugin. Depending on the type of plugin, you might notice new configuration options, job types, or additional functionality available in your Jenkins setup.
Manually Downloading Plugins
Although Jenkins provides a user-friendly Plugin Manager for seamless extension installations, there are situations where you may prefer a more hands-on approach. For example, your Jenkins server may be behind a firewall or lack direct internet connectivity. In such cases, manual installation gives you a practical workaround to navigate network restrictions. Here’s how to install Jenkins plugins manually:
Download the Plugin File
Go to the Jenkins Plugin Index (https://plugins.jenkins.io/) to find the desired plugin.
Search for the plugin by name or browse through the list of available plugins. For this tutorial, we’ll install the Safe Restart plugin.
Once you find the plugin you want to install, click on it to go to the plugin’s landing page.
Next, locate the plugin’s download link, usually under the releases tab, and then click on it. The .hpi file of the plugin should begin downloading.
Access the Jenkins Plugin Manager
In the Jenkins dashboard, click on Manage Jenkins on the left-hand sidebar.
Select Plugins under System Configuration.
Next, navigate to the Advanced tab.
Upload and Install the Plugin
Locate the Deploy Plugin section by scrolling down. Here, click on the Choose File or Upload button (the wording may vary depending on your Jenkins version) to open the file browser.
Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the Jenkins plugin file (.hpi) earlier. Select the plugin file and click Deploy.
Once the upload and install process is complete, restart Jenkins by marking the
After Jenkins restarts, navigate to Manage Jenkins > Plugins > Installed Plugins to confirm that the installation was successful.
Note that manual installation of plugins should be done with caution. Ensure you download plugins from trusted sources, like the official Jenkins Plugin Index, to avoid any security risks or compatibility issues.
Additional Jenkins Plugin Configuration
Once you’ve completed the installation, it’s important to note that each plugin comes with its own dedicated configuration page. Here, you find settings and options related to the plugin’s unique functionality. For example, a source code management plugin might require repository URLs and credentials. In contrast, a notification plugin might need email or messaging service settings. To ensure a seamless setup, refer to the plugin’s documentation.
Best Practices for Jenkins Plugin Use and Configuration
- Best practice for Jenkins means only install plugins that directly address your project’s needs.
- Regularly update plugins for features and security.
- Test plugin updates for compatibility with Jenkins and other plugins.
- Understand plugin settings and usage from reading the documentation.
- Note plugin dependencies and potential conflicts.
- Use Jenkins’ Credentials Manager for sensitive data.
- Grant minimal permissions to users and roles.
- Periodically review and uninstall unused plugins.
- Test new plugins separately to prevent disruption.
- Back up Jenkins configuration and settings.
- Watch for resource usage and bottlenecks.
- Collaborate with the Jenkins community and user groups.
- Keep pipelines focused on essential tasks.
- Establish usage standards and document configurations.
- Stay informed about new plugins and trends.
Thank you. That is it. Article Jenkins Plugins: How to Use and Configure Jenkins Plugins is concluded.
Jenkins Plugins: How to Use and Configure Jenkins Plugins Conclusion
To wrap up, you find that Jenkins plugins can transform your automation processes. As you integrate various tools, automate intricate workflows, and elevate functionality, these plugins are the core foundation of efficient CI/CD pipelines.
Remember, the key lies not just in their configuration, but in understanding the unique demands of your projects and selecting plugins that align seamlessly. Regular updates, maintenance, and careful consideration of dependencies ensures smooth sailing experience.
