Continuous Integration (CI) is a major component of the DevOps lifecycle. In fact, CI facilitates application development, testing, and deployment.
While you can find several popular continuous integration tools, Jenkins is perhaps the most widely used open-source automation server option for continuous delivery and integration across all platforms.
Jenkins is a robust open-source automation server known for its ability to streamline the software development lifecycle (SDLC). The core software is written in Java and supports an interesting ecosystem of plugins that add additional functionality for various tasks, including automation of infrastructure tasks.
This ecosystem (and the extended functionalities) is an important reason why many development teams opt for Jenkins as their preferred CI/CD system component.
In this tutorial, you will learn how to install Jenkins on Windows machine. We will also look into the process of how to unlock Jenkins. Finally, we will discuss some Jenkins customization options.
Table of Contents
- How to Install Jenkins on Windows
- Unlock Jenkins For Customization
- Customize Jenkins
- Conclusion
- FAQs
How to Install Jenkins on Windows
Installing Jenkins on Windows allows developers to access a powerful automation server that integrates seamlessly with their development environment. The result is enhanced productivity, faster delivery, and better product quality.
The Prerequisites
Before diving into the installation process, ensure you have the following:
- A Windows 10 system
- The latest version of the Java Runtime Environment on your system
- Administrator-level privileges
Step #1: Download Jenkins
Visit the official Jenkins download page.
Under the Downloading Jenkins section, locate the installers for Long-Term Support (LTS) versions.
Click the Windows link to begin downloading the installer.
Step #2: Run the Installer
Once downloaded, select jenkins.msi to start the installation wizard.
Click Next to continue.
Step #3: Choose Installation Folder
Select the desired folder to install Jenkins. By default, it suggests C:\Program Files\Jenkins.
Click Next to proceed.
Step #4: Service Account Configuration
Select Run service as LocalSystem.
This allows Jenkins to run as a system service for automatic startup and background operations.
Click Next to proceed.
Step #5: Port Configuration
Specify the port number on which Jenkins will run. The default port is 8080, but you can choose a different one if it’s already in use by another application.
Click Test Port to verify whether the chosen port is available.
If available, click Next to continue.
Step #6: Java Path Selection
Select the directory where the Java installation path is located.
Click Next to continue.
Step #7: Feature Selection
Select the features you wish to install with the core Jenkins.
These features are typically plugins that extend Jenkins functionality. You can either keep the default selections or explore the available options for further customization.
Click Next to proceed.
Step #8: Start the Installation Process
Click Install to begin the installation process.
Once the installation is complete, click Finish to close the setup wizard.
Unlock Jenkins For Customization
Once the installation is complete, you will have to unlock Jenkins before you can customize it.
Step #1: Access the Unlock Jenkins Page
Open the web browser and navigate to the following address.
http://localhost:[port number]
Replace [port number] with the port you specified during installation (the default port is 8080).
You will see the Unlock Jenkins page in the tab.
Step #2: Locate the Admin Password
Open.
Open the initialAdminPassword file in Notepad or any text editor of your choice. This plain text file contains the initial password for Jenkins.
Copy of the password you see in the file.
Step #3: Unlock Jenkins
Once you have copied the password, return to the Unlock Jenkins page.
Paste the password into the Administrator password area.
Click Continue to proceed.
You have now successfully unlocked Jenkins.
Customize Jenkins
Once Jenkins has been unlocked, set it up and customize its environment for your specific needs.
Step #1: Install Suggested Plugins
On the initial setup page, you’ll have the option to Install suggested plugins.
These plugins provide common functionalities used in development workflows.
Click Install suggested plugins.
Step #2: Create the First Admin User
Once Jenkins has installed the plugins, fill out the necessary fields on the Create First Admin User page.
Click Save and Continue to proceed.
Step #3: Configure a Jenkins Instance
On the Instance Configuration screen, verify the desired port number you want Jenkins to use.
Click Save and Finish to complete the initial setup.
Step #3: Start the Jenkins Dashboard
Select the Start using Jenkins option.
You will see the standard Jenkins web interface.
Step #4: Create Your First Job
Click Create a job on the Jenkins dashboard.
You can now set up your first Jenkins project.
Conclusion
By now, you have understood how to install Jenkins on Windows, unlock and customize it.
Users can now successfully set up a Jenkins server on their Windows environment and automate software development processes. Each step of the installation process is explained in detail, from setting up Jenkins as a Windows service to downloading and installing Java.
Once Jenkins is deployed, users may use its robust features to automate build and deployment operations, optimize software development workflows, and boost overall productivity. Thus, it accelerates the software delivery pipeline on Windows platforms and is helpful for individual projects and enterprise-level development teams.
FAQs
Q. What is Jenkins, and why is it used for software development?
Software developers use Jenkins, an open-source automation server, for continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD). It helps teams produce high-quality software more swiftly by automating, developing, testing, and deploying applications.
Q. Is Jenkins free to use, and where can I download Jenkins for Windows?
Yes, Jenkins is free and open-source software. The latest version of Jenkins for Windows can be downloaded from the official Jenkins website (https://www.jenkins.io/download/).
Q. Do I need to install any prerequisites before installing Jenkins on Windows?
Make sure your PC has the Java Development Kit (JDK) installed before proceeding with Jenkins installation on Windows. Java is required for Jenkins to function. The JDK is available for download and installation via OpenJDK or the Oracle website.
Q. Can I install Jenkins as a Windows service, and how do I do it?
Yes, Jenkins can be installed as a Windows service for automatic startup and management. The installation instructions include a step-by-step guide for installing Jenkins as a Windows service using the Jenkins Windows Installer (jenkins.msi).
Q. How do I access the Jenkins web interface after installing it on Windows?
After Jenkins has been installed and running, open a web browser and go to http://localhost:8080/ to view the Jenkins web interface. If Jenkins was installed as a Windows service, you might need to change “localhost” to your Windows machine’s IP address or hostname.
Q. Can I customize Jenkins to select plugins and configurations after installation?
Indeed, Jenkins offers a wide range of plugins that expand its capabilities. The Jenkins Plugin Manager allows you to install and configure additional plugins based on your needs. Additionally, Jenkins configurations can be altered directly in the Jenkins configuration files or via the Jenkins web interface.
Q. Is Jenkins suitable for small-scale projects or only large enterprises?
Jenkins can be used for any kind of project, from modest personal endeavors to substantial development pipelines at the corporate level. Because of its scalability and versatility, it can be adjusted to fit different team sizes and project requirements.
Q. How can I troubleshoot common issues encountered during Jenkins installation on Windows?
If you encounter problems during installation, read the troubleshooting section of the installation guide. You can also look for answers to frequently asked questions on Stack Overflow, the Jenkins community forums, and other websites.
