Jenkins For Continuous Integration – 5 Key Things That You Need To Know

 Continuous integration is considered one of the important parts of the DevOps stages. It is a development approach that requires developers to commit changes to source code in a common repository numerous times a day or more frequently. The repository is then constructed for every commit performed and as a result, the teams can spot difficulties early on. In the overall software development process, continuous integration proves to be a critical approach that helps seamless project progress with the integration of various tests and deployment technologies. To ensure feasible integration, outsourcing developers from a trusted Jenkins company is an ideal step.

With Jenkins companies can accelerate their software development process through automation. It is a server for automating tasks that are free and open source. It enables Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery by automating code builds, testing, and deployments. Jenkins is a Java application that runs in servlet containers like Apache Tomcat. Therefore, availing of Jenkins services is integral for fast software deployment. Apart from a practical automation testing approach, Jenkins, which is built with Java, provides numerous advantages which is why it is preferred by most companies worldwide.

Let us look at 5 key things you need to know about Jenkins for Continuous Integration:

Continuous integration establishes the foundation of the modern DevOps environment. By engaging a Jenkins company, the gap between development and operation teams can be eliminated. Utilizing Jenkins services would provide an organization with the scope of easier and faster building, testing, and deployment of applications.

A company can control and enhance the entire software development process using this open automation server. So, let’s understand some of the important things a business needs to know regarding Jenkins for continuous integration:

1. Version Control Systems

Jenkins comes with a set of features that helps in faster software development. An experienced Jenkins company knows how to utilize them for an organized development process. To use these features, version control tools need to be installed such as Git, CVS, and Subversion. For integration with tools like Amazon, EC2, and Maven, there are respective plugins that help in the functioning of Jenkins. Version control systems are software tools that aid in the recording of changes to files by keeping track of code changes.

When procuring Jenkins services, developers will work with various version control systems as required for the development process. In case an updated version of an application is not working for a company and requires new functionalities, version control systems keep track of these changes. These changes help a Jenkins company make the development process more smooth. This key feature of Jenkins proves to be integral for maintaining continuous integration since it provides a balance between production and delivery. Developers can reduce errors and conflicts and manage changes or implement contingency measures as required.

2. Master-Agent Architecture

An expert Jenkins company knows how to utilize the Master-Agent architecture of Jenkins to its full potential. Jenkins uses a master-agent (or distributed) architecture to manage distributed builds. The TCP/IP protocol is used to communicate between the Master and the Agent(s). The main server is the Master Server in Jenkins. Its responsibility is to schedule jobs, pick the appropriate agent server and present the build results to the developers. A remote machine connecting to the Master is known as an agent. ‘N’ number of agents could be chosen depending on the project and build needs.

The Jenkins Cl server checks the repository at regular intervals for new codes whereas the Build server builds the code into executable files. One of the key advantages of using Jenkins services is that developers are altered in case the build or any test fails, helping in continuous integration. A company can take precautionary measures or have a specific set of instructions in place in case any delay happens. The Jenkins architecture, therefore, helps in developing error-free code so that the end product is as desired. Hire developers from a reputable Jenkins company like AIMLEAP to avail of effortless test automation services.

3. Jenkins Pipeline

Jenkins Pipeline is a collection of plugins that help with the setup and integration of Continuous Delivery pipelines in Jenkins. It is one of the important factors in Jenkins since it helps in automating steps in the software development process. It consists of various stages from initiating code builds, to testing, and deploying the application. A skillful Jenkins company can make use of the Continuous Integration & Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline leading to a balanced production environment. Various robotic process automation companies in the world also utilize Jenkins Pipeline to fast-track their automation process.

The automated pipelines eliminate manual errors, provide thorough development feedback loops and allow faster iterations. Due to the software delivery pipeline, it becomes easier for developers to manage the various factors of DevOps. It works as a continuous delivery pipeline through the aid of different plugins leading to enhanced workflows. Outsource test automation services so that developers can implement powerful Jenkins tools for effortless software development.

4. JenkinsFile

JenkinsFile is a text file that contains the whole definition of a Jenkins Pipeline. When a JenkinsFile is checked into a source control tool, it allows developers to edit, review, and adapt the steps into the delivery pipeline. This provides a key benefit for a company in its software development stages. An expert Jenkins company can incorporate the various uses of JenkinsFile for easy integration and development. Most importantly, it provides the scope for auditing the Jenkins pipeline for a project. This helps in identifying and eliminating any errors in code or the overall delivery pipeline.

The CD Pipeline is treated as a part of the application in JenkinsFile, and is versioned, committed, and reviewed just like any other piece of code. With one JenkinsFile, developers can create pipelines automatically for all branches and execute pull requests. This singular source for a project pipeline can be modified by multiple users. Therefore, a Jenkins company can instruct any member of a particular project to execute changes in a project if required. It makes the overall process of software project development easier to manage.

5. CI/CD Service

Jenkins is a popular platform for creating a Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) environment. This is because the system offers a wide variety of tools, languages, and automation tasks that help in developing and deploying software programs. A proficient Jenkins company understands the importance of CI/CD and can implement a robust way to systemize the software development lifecycle. Continuous Delivery (CD) is a software release methodology that automates the entire process. The goal is to perform CI and then automatically schedule and monitor the production release.

Continuous Deployment is a step up from Continuous Delivery, in which any change in the source code is automatically pushed to production without the developer’s approval. This fast-tracks the overall development aiding in swift automation testing phases. By obtaining Jenkins services, a company can gain the advantage of its various plugins that help in integration, functional, and regression tests. This in turn, positively impacts the continuous delivery hub for a project. Therefore, with CI/CD services, a business can have better code quality with maximized creativity. Its impact on faster time to market is a significant benefit obtained with test automation services. That’s why hiring one of the best robotic process automation companies such as AIMLEAP can lead to the desired results for their projects.

Top 10 must-have plugins of Jenkins

This article sheds light on the top five factors of Jenkins and its impact on continuous integration. So, let’s take a look at some of the popular plugins of Jenkins used for different purposes:

1. Slack Notification Plugin:

This useful Slack Notification plugin can integrate Jenkins into Slack. It allows the publishing of build statuses, messages, and files to specific Slack channels.

2. Maven Plugin:

Jenkins uses the Maven Plugin as its build tool. This plugin provides the capabilities to configure, build, and run Maven-based projects in Jenkins, a must prerequisite for the integration of Maven with Jenkins.

3. Amazon EC2 Plugin:

The Amazon EC2 Plugin integrates Jenkins Amazon EC2 or anything implementing the EC2 APIs like Ubuntu. Since Jenkins can scale out to a large number of nodes, it helps in distributing the workload between them. Using this plugin, the resources of Amazon EC2 infrastructure can be used for the development process if required.

4. JUnit Plugin:

The JUnit Plugin of Jenkins is used to run JUnit tests followed by its test results. Since Jenkins understands JUnit test reports in XML format, this option when configured provides valuable information regarding test results like trends. The plugin also provides a generic API for other unit-test publisher plugins in Jenkins.

5. Pipeline Plugin:

The Pipeline Plugin is used for accelerating the continuous delivery of software development. This plugin and its dependencies form a suite of plugins that helps in managing some as well as complex automation.

6. Mailer Plugin:

This Jenkins plugin allows the configuration of email notifications for build results. It supports secure protocols and provides various options for configuration when sending an email.

7. Green Balls Plugin:

The plugin-based architecture of Jenkins makes it easy to customize the tool. Usually, the color blue is used to denote successful builds. However, the color preference can be changed resulting in the Green Balls Plugin showcasing successful Jenkins build jobs as a green sphere.

8. Jira Jenkins Plugin:

This plugin integrates Jenkins with Jira providing more visibility into the software development pipeline. It automates the data-sending process about builds and deployments from Jenkins to Jira and also aids in tracking issues from Jira to Jenkins.

9. Docker plugin:

The Docker Plugin minimizes the impact of the machine’s performance when a build and Jenkins are run together. Jenkin eliminates this problem by using agents to execute the build.

10. Easy Installation:

Configuration of jobs and installing various customizable plugins of Jenkins is made easier through this plugin. There is no need for any database, registration, or special installation.

Conclusion:

Jenkins is one of the most popular free and open-source tools for continuous integration and continuous development (CI/CD). This tool comes with a wide range of plugins that help in the testing and automation process. A well-established Jenkins company understands how to implement this platform to achieve successful continuous integration. By doing this, various businesses can manage changes to their development process and detect changes early on. Therefore, by incorporating the required changes, the development process can be completed within the required timeframe.

When looking for test automation services, it is important to ensure a platform that would provide continuous integration. This is because, for fast and steady development, proper integration is necessary for maintaining the quality of the software. It also reduces the time required for the release of the software. A business is required to make sure they get all the important information about the working process, benefits, and disadvantages when choosing a server. Jenkins not only provides reliability but also possesses more than 500 customizable plugins. So, avail of Jenkins services from a top-tier Jenkins company like AIMLEAP to ensure quality development and delivery of your projects.

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